President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday sought United States' sustained influence in finding a resolution of lingering Kashmir dispute as he and President George W Bush vowed to advance Pakistan-US strategic partnership in an institutionalised manner.
The two leaders, meeting exclusively here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr for more than an hour, discussed a wide spectrum of regional and international issues of common concern, including intelligence co-operation in counter-terrorism, redressing underlying causes of the menace, promoting regional peace, security and stability and the need to foster inter-faith harmony.
Welcoming the US leader, Musharraf expressed the hope that his visit would impart a new strength to multi-faceted bilateral ties and solidify foundations for a long-term Pakistan-US partnership.
The President expressed the hope that the US will continue its engagement for meaningful progress on Kashmir.
The US leader said Washington would continue to encourage Pakistan and India for the Kashmir resolution.
Musharraf said that resolution of the Kashmir dispute would pave the way for sustainable peace and development of South Asia.
Regretting the killing of an American diplomat in Karachi on Thursday, Musharraf said such terrorist acts could not deter Pakistan from its firm commitment to fighting the scourge.
On augmenting commerce and economic ties, the two leaders discussed greater market access for Pakistani products in the robust American market,
In the context of world scenario, the President informed the visiting leader about the sentiments of the Muslims in the wake of publication of blasphemous sketches of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Later, Musharraf said the American leader expressed concern over the sentiments of the Muslim world.
Condemning the sacrilegious sketches, Musharraf underscored that no amount of argument in the name of freedom of the Press could justify the publication of blasphemous sketches, which had deeply hurt sentiments of over a billion Muslims around the world.
Bush reciprocated Musharraf's remarks on expanding commerce and economic ties and agreed with the host leader that economic development would help the key ally in fighting extremism and poverty.
He hailed Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism as very important and appreciated President Musharraf's personal courage in braving off dangers to his life.
Bush commended the Pakistani leader's commitment to steering his country on the path of high economic growth and said the US would remain engaged on development of the country,
Musharraf thanked the visiting leader for US support in carrying out rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of the earthquake catastrophe in October 2005.
The US leader said America would continue to assist Pakistan in its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the quake zone.
Later, the two sides held bilateral talks on strengthening ties in a host of areas. Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice joined the two presidents for formal talks.
The visiting US leader also met with quake survivors at the Aiwan-e-Sadr along with President Pervez Musharraf and watched a documentary on the scale of damage and post-quake relief efforts.
Bush said the US is proud of having assisted Pakistan in its hour of need. He vowed continued support for reconstruction and recovery efforts in the quake zone, describing October last catastrophe as a "staggering" natural disaster.
The US president and First Lady Laura Bush, accompanied by Musharraf and First Lady Begum Sehba, met with orphaned children. amputees and women survivors and expressed their sympathy and support for them. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was also present.
Bush praised the resilience of the Pakistani nation and efforts of the Pakistan Army and non-governmental organisations in facing the gigantic natural disaster.
He also met with the American military officials engaged in airlifting relief supplies and lauded their services.
The visiting leader was briefed about post-quake relief and reconstruction efforts.
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