United States (US) President Donald Trump has described Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan as “one of the greatest athlete and a very popular PM”, and jokingly said that he would help him get re-elected.
“It’s my great honour to have the very popular and, by the way, great athlete — one of the greatest — but very popular prime minister of Pakistan,” Trump said while welcoming PM Imran to the Oval Office for the two leaders’ maiden meeting.
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PM Imran is currently on a three-day official visit to the US on Trump’s invitation. This is his first visit to the country since coming to power last year.
During the more than 40 minutes meeting, the two leaders spent time with the media — responding to a volley of questions. The mood and atmosphere in the Oval Office was quite comfortable.
PM Imran appeared to be at ease and confidently answering questions. During the unusually lengthy question and answer session with the media, wherein they gave almost all the Pakistani journalists present an opportunity to ask questions — the two leaders appeared to have forged good chemistry instantly, laughing and joking several times.
“We should be doing tremendous business together. So, I look forward to it,” Trump said as he concluded his welcome remarks for PM Imran. “InshaAllah,” Khan said, adding that he has been looking forward to this meeting since he assumed office of the country’s chief executive.
Trump described it as a “very important meeting”. “I think the potential with Pakistan and likewise, the opposite way, I think we have not even come close to meeting it. There is tremendous potential between our country and Pakistan.”
In fact, in response to a question, Trump said that he would love to visit Pakistan, but he has not received an invitation yet. “Well, I can’t say that yet because, so far, he has not extended me an invitation,” he said.
In response to another question, Trump said he would help PM Imran in his re-election. “I’m going to campaign for you. I’m going to help him win his campaign,” said the US president.