ISLAMABAD (CNN) - The photo shows Interior Minister Rehman Malik standing alongside US Senator John Kerry, their heads conspiratorially tilted towards each other. They are obviously deep in discussion, though it appears to be a discussion on the sidelines, a private word amidst more formal discussions. It is these up-close and personal ties that Malik prides himself on; relationships that cut through bureaucracy and make things happen. He is equal parts salesman, diplomat and politician. He is going to need to be all of that and more to right a relationship with the United States that has veered dangerously off track. Dapper is the word that best suits Malik. His hair is perfectly coiffed, his ties strong and bold, his suits are sharply tailored. Malik has made a habit of publicly criticising the militants. I am Taliban and Al-Qaedas number one target, he told CNN. Kerry, head of the powerful US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was dispatched to Islamabad to try to calm the waters after Osama bin Ladens killing. In his words press the re-set button on a strategically vital partnership. Suddenly the language changed: no more finger pointing. Indeed, Kerry said there was no evidence to suggest any official Pakistani collusion with bin Laden. Beyond that he refused to speculate. In the days since Kerry and Malik put their heads together, there has been a noticeable shift in mood. Pakistan has agreed to return what remains of the high-tech stealth helicopter left behind during the bin Laden raid. And the talk now is of compromise, cooperation, intelligence sharing and, above all for Pakistan, respect. What we want is recognition. We want joint action, joint intelligence you know what is important for Pakistan is self-respect, Malik said. He conceded some Pakistani failure by not finding bin Laden. But he bristled at any suggestion that his government would do deals with terrorists. Pakistanis, he said, are paying for this war in their own blood every day. He pointed out more than 30,000 civilians have been killed in terror related attacks since 2001. Malik said We are not weak. Dont let our enemy tell you that. We are attacking them every day, we have broken their back. Malik pointed to these attacks and challenged anyone to accuse Pakistan of a double-game. We never played a double game; we are sincere from day one. Maybe we are not as efficient as the US but believe me, my heart breaks when someone says my country is playing a double game, he said.