Pakistan not diplomatically isolated after Trump's speech: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday claimed that Pakistan has neither been diplomatically isolated nor has its position weakened following US President Donald Trump's speech outlining the country's policy on South Asia.

"We have neither been diplomatically isolated nor has our diplomatic position weakened," Asif said in a Senate session.

"An incorrect impression was created that our support in the region was affected following Trump's speech," said the foreign minister while addressing the Senate. 

The state minister went ahead to say that prior to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) notification, its tougher predecessor — Heart of Asia — was signed by Pakistan. 

Earlier, Asif said that the role of US in ending the conflict between India and Pakistan is welcomed.

Addressing a session at the Pakistan-US dialogue, Asif had said Pakistan has long-standing ties with the US. But, he added, they have reservations over the new US policy that blames Pakistan for instability in the region, including Afghanistan.

During Asif's recent visit to the US, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had said Pakistan is critical for the long-term stability of South Asia.

"Not just Afghanistan, but it is the importance of Pakistan and Pakistan's long-term stability as well," he remarked while speaking about US's policy towards South Asia.  

Tiller was quoted as saying that Pakistan's relation with the US is "extraordinarily important".

The bilateral visits of Pakistani and American diplomats were scheduled during the visit of PM Abbasi to the US.

Trump, in his speech announcing the revised US approach to Afghan war, had accused Pakistan of providing "safe haven" to militants, angering the ruling party and the opposition alike.