WASHINGTON: William Todd, the Trump administration’s nominated ambassadorto Islamabad, has termed Pakistan an “essential partner” in the region andsuggested that the US relations with India should not come at the expenseof Pakistan.
Addressing the Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, William Todd saidthat the US can have a strong relationship with both India and Pakistan.
“Our hope is that both countries will take the necessary steps to reducetensions, and as President Trump has offered, we are prepared to facilitatedialogue if both sides request it,” he said, adding that to truly reduceregional tensions, and rebuild a strong relationship with Washington,Islamabad must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism.
‘Action against militants must continue’
While acknowledging Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror, theenvoy-designate noted that the country has committed publicly to ensureterrorists cannot use its territory to operate.
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“Pakistan has taken important steps toward fulfilling that commitment butneeds to continue that work,” he said.
Vowing to work with Pakistan to advance shared interest in eliminatingterrorism from its territory and advancing security in the region, he saidthat he would actively engage Pakistan on such issues, as well as,“strategic stability and non-proliferation, carrying a clear message on thethreat that nuclear weapons pose to the United States, the region, and ourallies and partners. Pakistan needs to demonstrate it is prepared to liveup to international commitments on weapons of mass destruction.”
