WebExPk Affordable Hosting

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

US National Security Advisor calls on President Zardari

ISLAMABAD, May 19 : US National Security Advisor General James L. Jones called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency on Wednesday.

General Jim Jones was accompanied by Director of Central Intelligence Leon Panetta, U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson, and other senior officials.

On the Pakistan side, those who attended the meeting included Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Sha Mahmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.

The productive discussions covered U.S.-Pakistan relations, the security situation in the region, the shared terrorist threat and fight against extremists, and the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.

General Jones reiterated the United States ' long-term commitment to the strategic partnership with Pakistan , including support for creating economic opportunity for the Pakistani people.

The talks provided an opportunity to review progress on the many areas addressed in the recent strategic dialogue held in Washington . Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening ties across the broad spectrum of issues between our countries, including trade, economic growth, and development.

The parties agreed to continue frequent government-to-government contacts and further senior-level engagement in order to advance our common interests and provide a better, more secure future for our people.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that militancy and terrorism was the common enemy and that the existing robust cooperation between the two countries must continue to fight the menace. General Jones and Director Panetta provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the Times Square terrorist incident.

General Jones expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation the United States is receiving from Pakistan as well as the tremendous sacrifice of the Pakistani military, law enforcement and people in their efforts to combat extremists.

The talks covered measures that both countries are, and will be, taking to confront the common threat we face from extremists and prevent such potential attacks from occurring again and both parties acknowledged the extreme challenge of thwarting each and every plot and terrorist action, both sides pledged to intensify efforts, increase cooperation, and do everything possible to protect our citizens.

President Zardari noted that Pakistan desires a long-term, multifaceted and durable relationship with the United States which no incident should be able to adversely impact.

No comments:

Post a Comment