US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca called on President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday, discussing a wide range of subjects, including Pak-US bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest. The US Assistant Secretary had an exchange of views with the President on Pak-India dialogue process, relations with Afghanistan, the ongoing war on terrorism and the anti-narcotics campaign.
Christina Rocca also called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at the PM's House on Tuesday.
While talking to Christina Rocca, the prime minister vowed that Pakistan would continue its war against the scourge of terrorism as it was in country's national interests. Shaukat Aziz said: "Sporadic incidents of terrorism would not deter our resolve to continue our fight against terror."
He said the war on terrorism was not only essential for security and stability in the region, but also in country's national interest.
Christina Rocca appreciated Pakistan's role and co-operation in the war on terror, saying the United States was interested in having a long-term relation with Pakistan with active co-operation in all fields.
Shaukat Aziz and Christina Rocca also discussed the situation in Afghanistan in the context of the recent elections and the Composite Dialogue process between Pakistan and India.
The US Assistant Secretary reiterated US commitment to a broad-based and long-term partnership with Pakistan, as demonstrated in the multi-year package for Pakistan.
The prime minister expressed his appreciation for US support to Pakistan's socio-economic development plans as well as the country's security needs.
The meeting also covered regional co-operation in infrastructure and gas pipelines.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Nancy Powell was also present during the meeting.
Christina Rocca had separate meetings with Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri Education Minister Javed Ashraf Qazi and Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar to discuss subjects of common interest.
Rocca's visit was part of the periodic consultations between Pakistan and the United States.
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