US President-elect Donald Trump heaped praises on Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and said that he is willing to play any role that Islamabad wants to find solutions to its outstanding problems.
Mr Trump made these remarks as PM Sharif called him to congratulate on his recent victory.
"I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time, even before 20th January, that is before I assume my office," Mr Trump was quoted as saying in a statement released by Mr Sharif's office.
During the telephone conversation, Mr Trump also praised Mr Sharif and expressed his desire to meet the prime minister soon, Radio Pakistan reported.
The penchant for hyperbole that Trump often exhibited in off-the-cuff campaign speeches was quite evident in the phone call.
"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people,” Trump said.
PM Sharif also invited Mr Trump to visit Pakistan.
In his reply, Mr Trump said he would love to visit the country and meet its people.
Here is the statement released by the Pakistnai government of the conversation between two leaders.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it. Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office.
On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.
Earlier, Mr Trump had said that if elected, he'd like to mediate between India and Pakistan. But like the Obama administration, the US President-elect also said that he would only mediate if both countries asked him to do so.
PTI inputs
