Rubio Says America Must Keep Ties With Pakistan, Citing Its Nukes and Geography

Rubio Says America Must Keep Ties With Pakistan, Citing Its Nukes and Geography

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington must maintain its relationship with Pakistan even where the two countries disagree — pointing to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and its geographic importance as reasons America cannot walk away.

Rubio made the remarks in an interview with India's Network18 on Tuesday, during his three-day visit to India. Asked whether his position had changed since his Senate days, when he proposed cutting security aid to Pakistan over alleged support for terrorism against India, Rubio said his job is different now: “I'm no longer a senator, I'm the Secretary of State. I have to manage the foreign policy of the United States, and that does require us to have relationships with countries including those that we may have some disagreements with.” He added that engagement also gives Washington a chance to “discourage the kinds of things that India is worried about,” and stressed America remains “against terrorism anywhere in the world.”

The visit also focused on a US-India trade deal, with both sides saying negotiations are nearing completion. President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir for their regional diplomacy.

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