WASHINGTON: United States State Department Spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday that the United States values relations with Pakistan.

“Relations with Pakistan are very important and vital for the US because we have shared threats and shared concerns, shared the interest in the region, and we’re going to continue to work at it, Kirby said in a press briefing in Washington.

Kirby said the US is committed to work with Pakistan for the elimination of terrorism from the region.

“The terrorists are a threat to the people and they have safe havens in Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said adding that the US is cooperating with Pakistan in hunting down terrorists.

The spokesperson further said that the US wants cooperation and improvement of dialogue betweenPakistan and Afghanistan.

Kirby also said that the US wishes to see the Pak-Afghan Torkham border remain open for traffic.

It should be noted that Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday agreed to reopen Torkham border crossing for vehicles coming in and going out, and resumption of routine activities.

The decision came in a meeting between Afghan Ambassador Omer Zakhilwal and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif.

The two sides also expressed resolve to continue efforts to fight terrorism and bringing lasting peace to the region.

The border crossing was closed in the wake of escalating tensions between security forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan.