The White House has reaffirmed the necessity of the US' relationship with Pakistan, saying that relations between the two countries remain strong. The announcement comes despite reports that Pakistan arrested five CIA's informants, whose tips led to the killing of Osama bin Laden last month.

At Wednesday's White House briefing, US Press Secretary Jay Carney wouldn't comment specifically on the report that CIA informants were detained by Pakistan.

Instead, he reiterated the relationship between the two countries, which he called crucial for US national security interest.

Jay Carney, US Press Secretary said "It is important to remember that the relationship is important because it helps our national security interests to maintain it. Pakistan has worked with us to go after terrorism and terrorist."

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates testified on Capital Hill on Wednesday, saying he wouldn't confirm the reports.

When questioned on why the US continues to support the Pakistani government, Gates said based on his experience in government, there was no other way to maintain stable relations.

The US chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen also said that the US was struggling to rebuild its badly broken relationship with Pakistan.

A western official in Pakistan has confirmed that five Pakistanis who helped lead the US to bin Laden's compound were arrested by Pakistan's top intelligence service. The fate of those CIA informants still remains unclear.

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