WASHINGTON: US House Speaker John Boehner visited Pakistan on Monday, calling strong bilateral ties “vital” to both countries and pushing for improved relations after a series of “challenges.”

“A strong US-Pakistan relationship is vital to the interests of both of our countries,” Boehner, the top Republican in the US Congress and third-ranking US elected official, said in a statement released by his office in Washington.

“While the relationship between our two countries has seen its challenges, we discussed the importance of working through these issues and renewing our partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect.”

Boehner, who is second in line for the US presidency behind Vice President Joe Biden, said he and five other US lawmakers had “frank and productive discussions” with top civilian and military officials.

Boehner, who was leading a six-member US congressional delegation, met with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Kayani and US Ambassador Cameron Munter.

“We recognize that the Pakistani military and the Pakistani people have made great sacrifices in recent years in the struggle against extremism and terrorism,” he said.

“Al-Qaeda and its extremist allies have made Pakistan a target, and the Pakistani nation has suffered deeply as a result. We appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani military and the sacrifices of those troops and the Pakistani people.”

The speaker, who visited Peshawar to discuss the Pakistani military's efforts to combat violent extremists, also thanked Gilani for his hospitality.

The delegation included Republican Representatives Mac Thornberry, Mike Conaway, Tom Rooney and Joe Heck -- all members of the House Armed Services Committee -- and Democratic Representative Dan Boren, a member of the House Intelligence Committee.