ISLAMABAD: The United States has said that its trade relations with Pakistan are set to witness a new record the following year.

This was stated by White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere in a statement following telephonic conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday evening.

He said the two leaders in their conversation reaffirmed commitment for a stronger relationship.

The White House Deputy Press Secretary said they also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-Pakistan trade relationship, investment and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

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The relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. entered into a fresh phase of rejuvenation after Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed his office last year. Later, the meeting between Imran Khan and President Trump in Washington this July gave a positive dimension to the otherwise roller-coaster bilateral ties as the discussion featured Trump’s mediation offer on Kashmir.

On Nov 22, during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump, the latter had thanked the former for efforts in facilitating the release of an American and an Australian hostages in Afghanistan.

Imran Khan had conveyed that the release of Western hostages, Profs Kevin King and Timothy Weeks, in Afghanistan was a positive development and Pakistan was happy that they were safe and free. President Trump had also termed this a positive outcome.

Both the leaders had discussed bilateral and regional issues and further agreed to remain in close contact.

Pakistan and the US had agreed to continue work together for the promotion of shared objective of establishment of peace in Afghanistan.

Recalling their conversations in Washington and New York, the two leaders had agreed to deepen bilateral collaboration, including in relevant multilateral fora.