Shehbaz Sharif has been congratulated by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his election as Pakistan’s new Prime Minister on Wednesday.

“The United States congratulates newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and looks forward to continuing our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan’s government,” Blinken said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The US values its relationship with Pakistan and recognises its role as an important partner on a wide range of mutual interests for nearly 75 years, according to the statement, adding that a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan is essential for both countries’ interests.