The United States considers bilateral civilian assistance an important component of its relationship with Pakistan, the State Department said Tuesday. “The United States remains committed to a strong, mutually respectful relationship with Pakistan," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement responding to a reporter's question. “We consider bilateral civilian assistance to be an important component of that relationship and believe it can help Pakistan become a more prosperous, stable, and democratic state, which serves the national interests of both the United States and Pakistan," he added.