The News reports that talks between high ranking officials from the US and Pakistan in Islamabad this week have gone well and resulted in a closer relationship between the two powers.
Pakistan and United States have agreed to continue frequent government-to-government contacts and further senior-level engagement to advance their common interests and provide a better and more secure future to their people.
Both the countries acknowledged the extreme challenge of thwarting each and every plot and terrorist action, and pledged to intensify efforts, increase cooperation, and do everything possible to protect their citizens.
President Asif Ali Zardari said militancy and terrorism were the common enemies of the United States and Pakistan and it was important that the existing robust cooperation between the two countries continues to fight the menace.
The president was talking to National Security Advisor General James L. Jones and Director of Central Intelligence Agency Leon Panetta here at the President House here on Wednesday.
General James Jones was accompanied by Director of Central Intelligence Leon Panetta, U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson, and other senior officials.
President was accompanied by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
A statement issued by the President House said ‘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 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 the two countries, including trade, economic growth, and development.
General Jones and Director Panetta also provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the Times Square terrorist incident.General Jones expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation the United States was getting 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 they face from extremists and prevent such potential attacks from occurring again.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.
