ISLAMABAD – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is likely to visit Pakistanand hold talks with the newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pompeo, who is expected in Islamabad on September 5, would be the firstforeign dignitary to meet the prime minister, the news report stated,quoting the unnamed diplomatic sources.

Imran Khan, 65, was sworn in as Pakistan’s 22nd prime minister at a simpleceremony in Islamabad on Saturday.

The US welcomed the new prime minster and said that it was looking forwardto work with new civilian government to promote peace and prosperity in thecountry and in the region.

‘For over 70 years, the relationship between the United States and Pakistanhas been a vital one, the statement added.

The relations between Pakistan and the US nose-dived after President DonaldTrump in new year tweet accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washingtonbut “lies and deceit” and providing “safe haven” to terrorists.

The US Congress also passed a bill to slash Pakistan’s defence aid to USD150 million, significantly below the historic level of more than USD onebillion per year.

Both Pakistan and US understood the importance of bilateral relationshipand has vowed to work together.