Trump calls Pakistani PM: 'Ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play

President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, heaping praise on the foreign leader and volunteering to help in any way possible.

The Pakistani prime minister called Trump, according to a readout of the call by the Pakistani government, and "felicitated him" on his victory.

"President Trump said, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy," according to the readout. "You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon."

Pakistan has had a diplomatic relationship with the U.S. since its creation in 1947 and has assisted the U.S. in its counterterrorism efforts and attempts to capture members of Al Qaeda and their allies, according to the State Department. But the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces within Pakistan's borders in 2011 has added strain to the relationship, since it remains unclear exactly how much the nation knew about the fact that he had been living there.

On their phone call, Trump reportedly told Sharif that he felt like he was talking to someone he had known for a long time.

"Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities," Trump told Sharif, according to the readout. "Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honor and I will personally do it."

Trump told Sharif to free to call him any time, including before he takes office on Jan. 20. Sharif invited the president-elect to visit Pakistan, and Trump replied that he'd "love to" come.

"Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people," Trump said, according to the readout.