ISLAMABAD - Defense Secretary Robert Gates made an unannounced trip to Pakistan on Thursday hoping to deepen ties and persuade a skeptical nation that Washington aims to be an ally for the long-haul.

Gates, on his first visit to Pakistan since U.S. President Barack Obama took office last year, told reporters he will also raise thorny issues on the two-day trip, including manifestations of anti-Americanism that include problems with our visas and harassment of our people.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Robert Birsel and Sanjeev Miglani)

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