White House says ties with Pakistan vital

The White House has said Pakistan is vital to US success against terrorists in the region and pledged to continue co-operative ties with the country, despite the complicated nature of the relationship. "I think we have made clear that our co-operative relationship with Pakistan is important. It's been complicated, obviously. But it is vital to our successful effort against terrorism and terrorists," President Barack Obama's Press Secretary said.
Jay Carney spoke amid signs of renewed joint efforts against terrorists, as the two countries - who have been working closely against Taliban and al Qaeda operatives - worked to repair strains that developed from American unilateral action against Osama bin Laden in Pakistani town of Abbottabad.
Questioned as to why the US should continue to pursue close ties with Pakistan, the White House spokesman reminded journalists at a briefing of Islamabad's key help against terrorists over the years. "The co-operation we've received from Pakistan in the past has led to a variety of successes in our effort against terrorists. And we look forward to continuing that co-operative relationship."
Pressed on the issue of trust between the two countries, Carney remarked "there's no secret to the fact that this is a complicated relationship and at times a difficult relationship." But, he emphasised, "it is an important relationship and one we're committed to because the co-operation between the United States and Pakistan, between our governments, our militaries, our security services, our intelligence services, is so vital to America's national security interests. "And so because of that, we will continue to pursue it."