The pledge, which was made in a joint statement, could help mollify Pakistani officials and citizens, who were enraged that one of the country’s most important allies would conduct a unilateral operation on its soil. But details of the promised cooperation were unclear.
It was also unclear whether Kerry, the most high-profile American to visit Pakistan since the May 2 raid that killed Bin Laden, was able to extract any promises from Pakistan to go after Afghan Taleban militants long believed to be holed up on Pakistani territory.
US officials have increased pressure on Pakistan since Bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs in Abbottabad, an army town only about 55 kms outside the capital, Islamabad. But they also seem to be trying to balance their anger, aware of the risk of wholly severing ties with the nuclear-armed country. Pakistan’s cooperation is considered vital to ending the war in Afghanistan.
Kerry’s comments during his visit mixed a tone of defiance with promises to work with Pakistan to rebuild the bilateral relationship. “My goal in coming here has been to talk about how we manage this important relationship,” said Kerry, who chairs the US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee.
Kerry said Monday that he and Pakistani leaders have agreed to a “series of steps” to improve relations, but did not specify what they were.
He also said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will soon announce plans to visit Pakistan — a sign of confidence in the relationship.
— With input from agencies
