Obama calls Pakistan's Sharif after election victory

U.S. President Barack Obama Tuesday called Nawaz Sharif and congratulated him on his party's election victory, state media reported. President Obama said the United States wants to further strengthen friendly and trade relations with Pakistan, radio Pakistan reported. Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) party emerged as the single largest party in the May 11 general elections and enjoys comfortable majority to form government. "The U.S. president said his country respects the mandate given to Nawaz Sharif in the elections," the state radio said. He also lauded PML-N chief for valiantly running election campaign and wished early meeting with the PML-N chief. The U.S. embassy in Islamabad Tuesday referred to President Obama's May 12 statement in which he had congratulated the people of Pakistan on the successful completion of the parliamentary elections. "The United States stands with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan's democratic progress, " the statement quoted the president as saying. He said the United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together on mutual interests, and his Administration looks forward to continuing cooperation with the Pakistani government that emerges from this election as equal partners in supporting a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of Pakistan. He had praised the people of Pakistan by conducting competitive campaigns, freely exercising their democratic rights, and persevering despite intimidation by violent extremists. "You have affirmed a commitment to democratic rule that will be critical to achieving peace and prosperity for all Pakistanis for years to come," President Obama had referred to the people of Pakistan in his message. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson met with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Tuesday and congratulated him on PML-N's success in the national and provincial assembly elections, and underscored U.S.commitment to a strong bilateral relationship with Pakistan based on respect and mutual interests, the embassy said.