*WASHINGTON – The US State Department released a message welcoming the newcivilian government led by Imran Khan in Pakistan.*

“We recognize and welcome the newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister ImranKhan on taking the oath of office. For over 70 years, the relationshipbetween the United States and Pakistan has been a vital one,” StateDepartment Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in the statement.

Nauert added that the United States looks forward to working withPakistan’s new civilian government to promote peace and prosperity inPakistan and the region.

Earlier in the day, Imran Khan took oath as country’s 2nd prime minister ina simple ceremony at the President House.

For the cricket legend-turned-politician, his party’s first place in anational election and becoming country’s prime minister, is the culminationof a battle that started more than two decades ago.

For years, he was dismissed as a political dilettante who could not converthis personal popularity into significant seats in parliament for thePakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).