Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman has said that Pakistan will be seeking to share actionable intelligence with the United States under the anti-terrorism strategy to counter the threats of extremism in the country.
On the conclusion of meeting between Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and US President George Bush, she briefed the newsmen that the US strongly supports democracy and democratic order in Pakistan. She said that the US is committed to provide tools for fight against terrorism.
The United States is in agreement with Pakistan's three-prong strategy regarding dealing with the extremism, which encompasses first dialogue and then economic assistance while the use of force comes as last resort. "We have explained to the President Bush that Pakistan has a long border with Afghanistan, which is difficult to be managed. We have talked about new economic zones to attract investment and the people of tribal areas would be given jobs opportunities in such economic zones, Information Minister said.
Explaining the overall meeting with the President Bush, she described that the environment and ambience of the talks at the White House as very well. She said that the two leaders had 'frank, open and candid discussions' on all the issues came up for deliberations. "We have communicated our policy on different issues to the United States. The meaning of candid discussion should be taken in a positive manner."
She said that the visiting delegation is expecting an understanding before the conclusion of the visit about an assistance package of around 7.5 billion dollar spread over ten years. The legislation is in the Congress in this regard. Under the non-military aid package, 1.5 billion dollar is expected as aid on annual basis.
Earlier, the Prime Minister, Gilani was received by senior protocol officials on the door of the House. Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani who is on maiden visit to the United States when came out the an hour long talks with the US President George Bush and moving towards the media for their interaction looked relaxed as he was discussing something with his host.
The Prime Minister was also talking with his hands and the US President had a smile on his face. When the two leaders reached near the newsman, the President with his broad smile greeted the Pakistani media delegation.
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