US Congressman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus Jack Bergman has sent a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, expressing sincere gratitude for the leadership both men demonstrated during the ongoing peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
In his letter to the premier and the army chief, Bergman stated that their partnership had been indispensable to the diplomatic effort, according to state-run Pakistan Television Corporation.
The congressman said that US President Donald Trump had accomplished what previous American administrations could not achieve.
He further remarked that the relationship between the United States and Pakistan holds enduring strategic importance, adding that Pakistan’s willingness to use its unique position to bring both sides to the negotiating table reflected “true statesmanship”.
Bergman said that the US president, the White House and Congress had publicly recognised Pakistan’s efforts, adding that he fully echoed those sentiments.
The US lawmaker thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying they had the “deep and lasting gratitude” of the United States.
He also expressed hope to return to Pakistan soon and continue strengthening ties between the two countries through direct engagement.
Pakistan has recently emerged as a key force for peace and stability in the region after facilitating unprecedented talks between Iran and the United States.
Islamabad successfully persuaded the leaderships of Iran and the US to engage in dialogue for the first time since 1979, with negotiations held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir following the US-Iran ceasefire announced on April 8, which was brokered with Pakistan’s involvement.
Last month, Trump again lauded both Pakistani leaders for their efforts in mediating talks between Washington and Tehran.
During a telephone interview with Fox News regarding the Iran peace talks, Trump described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir as “great people” and said he had “great respect” for Pakistan’s top leadership.
Trump has also frequently referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir as his “favourite field marshal”, following the rapport developed during US diplomatic efforts to defuse a short but intense armed conflict between Pakistan and India last year.