WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following a meeting with President Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“I appreciate President Trump allowing me to be part of the meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Khan to discuss the way forward regarding Afghanistan and the future of the United States-Pakistan relationship. President Trump is keenly aware of the benefits of a better relationship with Pakistan.

“Peace with honor and dignity in Afghanistan is only possible with the complete buy-in of Pakistan.

“It is now time for the United States to have a strategic relationship with Pakistan, which is best achieved by a free trade agreement tied to security performance.

“I have seen change by the Pakistani military where they have aggressively gone after terrorist networks along the Afghan-Pakistan border. I believe that Prime Minister Khan, along with the Pakistani military leadership, is ready for change and ready for the Afghan war to end in a smart way.

“If the Taliban are denied sanctuary in Pakistan, this war will end quickly and on our terms. It is my hope that we can negotiate a free trade agreement between the United States and Pakistan, which would be of mutual economic benefit and an incentive to maintain stability in the region.”

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Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead