WASHINGTON (APP) - The Obama Administration on Thursday voiced the confidence that the United States and Pakistan would be able to work through recent challenges in the bilateral ties as the State Department underscored the success of the strategic relationship over the years. We have been through a period of challenges in our relationship with Pakistan. But everyone from President (Barack Obama) on down in this government, has been adamant that this is a strategic relationship that works, Mark Toner, Acting State Department spokesman, said at the daily briefing. He said the relationship between the two countries - that have been cooperating in the fight against al-Qaeda and Taliban militants since 9/11 but developed strains after May 2 American raid on the Osama bin Laden hideout in Abbottabad - has had success. The relationship, he asserted, is both in ours and Pakistans interest and so we are going to work through these challenges and we look forward. The spokesmans remarks came amid reports of an expected visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Islamabad during which she will hold talks with top Pakistani leadership on bilateral cooperation in various fields under the strategic partnership. The spokesman explained that the US security assistance to Pakistan is provided in coordination with the Pakistani government. The size of American military personnels in Pakistan depends on the amount of training and equipping requirements for Pakistani military.