Statement by the Secretary General on formation of the new Pakistani Government

On behalf of NATO, I congratulate Prime Minister Gilani on the formation of the new, democratically-elected Government in Pakistan.   NATO and Pakistan share a mutual commitment to preserving stability in the region, including in Afghanistan, and to the fight against terrorism.   Pakistan, Afghanistan and NATO have established strong ties of practical cooperation in recent years; these ties can and should deepen, as the political dialogue between NATO and Pakistan also matures.