ISLAMABAD: The US and Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed their close ties and pledged to enhance cooperation on regional security, according to the Foreign Office.

The FO, in a statement issued after a meeting between a visiting US delegation led by Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass, and Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi, said the `discussions covered a broad range of bilateral issues, with both sides emphasising the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties`.

The FO further noted that the talks were `productive` and resulted in reaffirmation of the commitment to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and regional security.

The visit marks the first by a US official to Islamabad since the new government was formed after the February 8 elections.

In letters exchanged last month, President Joe Biden underscored the critical nature of the `enduring (US-Pakistan) partnership` for `ensuring the security of our people and people around the world` PM Shehbaz Sharif, in response to Mr Biden`s outreach, expressed Pakistan`s eagerness to collaborate towards global peace and security and development of the region. Later, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a phone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, emphasised the importance of continued cooperation on counterterrorism, expanding trade and investment partnership.

Mr Bass`s visit to Pakistan is part of a broader regional trip that included a stop in Qatar, where he engaged in discussions about Afghanistan and regional security interests.