US President-elect Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a 'terrific guy' in the first call between the two leaders, Pakistan confirmed today.

Historical allies in the region, Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over US accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants, a charge denied by the South Asian nation.

Sharif's office said late on Wednesday that the Pakistani premier called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and issued a read out of the call. Trump's team confirmed the two men talked and issued a brief statement.

US President-elect Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a 'terrific guy' in the first call between the two leader, Pakistani confirmed today

'President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way,' said the statement issued by Sharif's office.

'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 honour and I will personally do it.'

However, the prime minister's office did not elaborate on the kind of problems Trump offered to solve, and thoughts now turn to recent conflict on the LoC in Kashmir between Pakistan and India. The statement also did not clarify why exactly Trump was impressed with Sharif.

Pakistan's sputtering economy has rebounded since Sharif was elected in 2013 and security has vastly improved amid greater efforts by the army to tackle militants such as the Pakistani Taliban.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich greets U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump

But security remains a problem as Islamist groups continue to stage mass attacks and Islamic State radicals have sought to gain a foothold inside Pakistan, claiming responsibility for several high-profile attacks. The economy is also facing acute challenges, including energy shortages.

Trump's office said the two leaders had a 'productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future'.

'President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif,' the statement added.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (centre) was called a 'terrific guy' by President-elect Donald Trump

Hindus for Trump

Throughout the election India made no secret of its admiration for Trump and the high-hopes it held for a future relationship with the US.

Over the last few years India-US bilateral relations have developed into a 'strategic partnership' built on the three pillars of future trade, the shared threat of Islamic terror, and the need for a competitor to mint China's aggression in the area.

The US is the sixth largest investor in India and increasing Indian investments in the US has been an interesting feature of bilateral ties with an ambitious target of $500 billion worth of trade of goods and services now set. This is a huge manifold increase from the current figure of around $100 billion.

Trump: Great for India?

In terms of China, it is thought that Trump's recent criticism of China as 'currency manipulator' could see India emerge as a key player on the Asia front, with the US trade policies favouring the market balance brought about by a competitive India.

But the big issue for India is said to be receiving support and help in the global condemnation of Pakistan's alleged terror activities particularly along the LoC with Kashmir.

It was hoped by India that Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric and strong stance on terrorism would turn into a stronger relationship with India on the basic terms that a single-common enemy would bring the two countries together.

Trump, it was thought, would seek the help of India and other nations to address the problem of a 'semi-unstable' nuclear Pakistan, especially considering Trump once called India's neighbour 'probably the most dangerous country in the world'.

India's hopes for greater sway with the US in the region now seem to have taken a major set-back after Trump's positive call today with Pakistan.

Dancers at the charity event hosted by the Republican Hindu Coalition

Strained Ties

What Trump said... according to Pakistan 'Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called President-elect USA Donald Trump and felicitated him on his victory. 'President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. 'I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. '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. 'Feel free to call me any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office. 'On being invited to visit Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Mr. Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. 'Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people, said Mr. Donald Trump.' Source: Press and Information Department, Government of Pakistan Advertisement

Detailing the specifics of the conversation, Sharif's office added that Trump told the Pakistani premier to feel free to call him any time before he assumes office on January 20.

'As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long,' the statement added, paraphrasing Trump's comments.

Sharif's office often releases read outs of his conversations with foreign heads of state but they are seldom so full of praise for the Pakistani premier, especially during calls with Western leaders.

Sharif invited Trump to visit Pakistan, according to the statement, and the incoming U.S. leader agreed.

'Mr Trump said that he would love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people. Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people,' said the statement.

Few details are known about Trump's planned policy for South Asia but the warm words between the leaders suggests ties could be reset under Trump's presidency and will ease concerns in Islamabad that Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric in the run-up to the poll will not lead to unfriendly policies towards Pakistan.

At one point Trump proposed banning Muslims from the entering the United States, remarks that alarmed the predominantly Muslim nation of 190 million people.

Islamabad has also been concerned about warmer ties between the United States and India, fearful that Washington is pivoting towards New Delhi at a time of heightened tensions between the nuclear armed neighbours.

Trump also has business ties in India, which has stoked concerns in Pakistan that under his presidency the United States may accelerate its shift towards New Delhi.

Pakistan continues to receive aid as well as military funding and training from the United States, but the US Congress has recently held back some help due to frustrations about Pakistan's unwillingness to act against elements of the Afghan Taliban.

Relations hit new lows in May when a U.S. drone killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, the leader of the Afghan Taliban movement, on Pakistani territory. (Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Twitter reacts

Social media users took to the news of Trump's call to Pakistan with a mixture of surprise and bemusement.