U.S. Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain has said if elected he would support fostering relations with Pakistan and work closely with the country on areas of common interest. In a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, the presumptive Republican nominee, who was out of Washington Monday, said he is aware of Pakistan's challenges. The conversation lasted for about 20 minutes. Prime Minister Gilani spoke of the importance of forging long-term strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States and said the elected government is committed to socio-economic uplift of the people.