Trump Offers Help For Pakistan’s Problems During First Call With PM Sharif

MEP: U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has layered praise on Pakistan, traditionally a troublesome US ally, saying it is a “fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people” during the first call with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, an official statement released by Islamabad on Wednesday.

The phone call readout is unusual in that it focuses almost entirely on Trump’s contributions to the conversation, and reproduces them in a voice that is unmistakably his.

The US president-elect made his effusive comments with Nawaz Sharif, prime minister of the nuclear-armed state, whom Trump hailed as a “terrific guy”.

Sharif called Trump and felicitated him on his victory.

President Trump said Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.

The prime minister’s office did not elaborate on the kind of problems Trump offered to solve. The statement also did not clarify why exactly Trump was impressed with Sharif.

Although there have been worries that Trump’s business interests might lead him to favour India whilst in office, the property magnate said he had nothing but respect for Pakistanis.

He said: “Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people.”

Trump also reportedly said he would “love” to visit Pakistan, a country that has not been on the itinerary of a US president since 2006, when George W Bush visited amid extraordinary security precautions.