US calls Nawaz Sharif's swearing in as 'significant milestone' in Pak's democracy

State Dept spokeswoman says US eager to work with Sharif and the newly democratically elected Pak govt

The United States has welcomed the swearing-in of Pakistan's new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a "significant milestone" in the country's democracy.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the US looks forward to working with Sharif and the newly democratically elected government of Pakistan, reports The Dawn.

The 63-year-old, who was deposed in a coup and sent into exile 13 years ago, was formally chosen by a vote in the National Assembly and later took the oath of office from President Asif Ali Zardari.

Psaki said, however, that the US had a very strong ongoing dialogue with Pakistan regarding all aspects of the relationship, including security and counterterrorism cooperation.

She said it is critically important that the two nations continue to work closely with their partners throughout the world, providing them with the support they need, helping build their capacity to carry out counterterrorism operations in their own countries.