Context
In a reconciliatory move to improve strained ties with Pakistan, the US contacted Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh on Thursday to assure him that recent events wouldn’t affect Washington’s economic assistance to Islamabad. State Department spokesperson Mark Toner told journalists that Deputy Security of State Thomas Nides phoned Sheikh to assure him of US support and discuss the importance of continued cooperation on the Pakistan-US civilian assistance program. Moreover, as part of its attempts to improve military-to-military relations, Washington is sending its military chief, Adm. Michael Mullen, to Islamabad to meet Pakistani generals.
