News
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pakistan, US vow to step up efforts against terrorism* Officials discuss measures to confront extremism, prevent potential attacks
* Both countries agree to continue govt-to-govt contact, enhance senior-level engagement
* Zardari says Pakistan desires long-term, multifaceted ties with USISLAMABAD: Militancy and terrorism are the common enemies of the United States and Pakistan and it is important that the existing robust cooperation between the two countries continues to fight the menace, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a US delegation led by US National Security Adviser General James Jones at the Presidency.
General Jones was accompanied by Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta, US Ambassador Anne Patterson and other senior US officials.
The Pakistani side was represented by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
Sources told Daily Times that the US and Pakistani leadership discussed the second part of the Pak-US strategic dialogue, under which secretary-level talks between the two countries will kick off next month.
Preventing attacks: The meeting discussed measures the two countries undertaking to confront the common threat from extremists and prevent such potential attacks from occurring again. Both the sides acknowledged the extreme challenge of thwarting all plots and terrorist acts, pledged to intensify efforts, increase cooperation and do everything possible to protect their people.
Long-term ties: President Zardari noted that Pakistan desires a long-term, multifaceted and durable relationship with the US, which no incident should be able to adversely impact.
General Jones and Director Panetta also provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the failed Times Square bombing incident.
Jones appreciated the excellent cooperation the US is receiving from Pakistan as well as the tremendous sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani military, law enforcement and people in their efforts to combat extremists.
He also reiterated the United States’ long-term commitment to the strategic partnership with Pakistan, including support for creating economic opportunity for the Pakistani people.
According to sources, both the countries would explore ways and means to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, environment, oil and gas during the second part of the strategic dialogue.
According to a joint statement, the productive meeting covered Pak-US relations, situation in the region, shared terrorist threat and fight against extremists, and the strategic dialogue between the two countries.
Keeping in touch: Both the sides agreed to continue frequent government-to-government contacts and enhance senior-level engagement in order to advance common interests and provide a better, more secure future for their people.
The Obama administration has been pressing Islamabad to widen its crackdown on the Taliban. iqbal choudhry/agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk