"It is an important, vital relationship that we strongly believe in. Is it complicated at times? Absolutely it is. And do we see eye-to-eye on every issue with Pakistan? No, we don't," State Department spokesman, John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.
"But that's why the relationship matters so much because we have shared threats and shared concerns, shared interests in the region. And we're going to continue to work at it," he said.
Kirby said he has not seen the statement.
"I didn't see his comments. So I'm going to refrain from responding specifically to that sentiment," he said.
Kirby did not agree when asked if the US-Pakistan ties are not at the best of times these days.
"It is an important relationship that we continue to work at very, very seriously. We're going to remain committed to. And I would not share that characterization of it," Kirby said.