Mike Pence: Pakistan Can and Should Cooperate More Closely with the U.S.

The Vice President of the United States, in a conversation with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, has urged Islamabad to cooperate more closely with the U.S. to counter the Taliban and other extremist groups. According to a statement released by the White House, Mike Pence emphasized during this discussion the request of President Donald Trump for Pakistan to take further actions against the ongoing presence of the Taliban, the Haqqani network, and other terrorist groups in that country (Pakistan). Pence stated, 'Pakistan can and should cooperate more closely with the United States.' The White House statement does not specify the time, location, or reason for the discussions, but according to reports from American and Pakistani media, the meeting between Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mike Pence took place at the Vice President's residence in Washington. Reports indicate that Abbasi was on a private visit to the United States and the meeting with Pence was requested by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Two days prior, on February 14, an unnamed U.S. government official provided an assessment of Pakistan's actions against militants since Trump called for cutting aid to Islamabad. This assessment stated that 'Pakistan has sought to show itself as responsible,' but 'they have done the bare minimum in response to our requests.' On January 4, the U.S. State Department announced that nearly all financial and military aid to Pakistan would be suspended. The U.S. State Department stated that this $900 million aid would continue only if Pakistan takes action against terrorist groups, including the Taliban and the Haqqani network, on its soil. Just before that, Donald Trump had stated that 'the United States has foolishly given Pakistan over $33 billion in aid over the past 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking our leaders are fools.' In response to the suspension of U.S. aid, Pakistan described the action as 'counterproductive' and stated it would harm efforts to combat terrorism. U.S. officials have at times accused Pakistan's military intelligence of supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. Islamabad has denied these accusations.