By Xinhua,
Islamabad: US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has lauded Pakistan for its successful military operations against the Taliban in the country.
Holbrooke said the US has close contacts with the Pakistani leadership and is providing technical assistance to combat terrorism.
The strength of the Taliban has been weakened and the militants are on the defensive, he said at a joint news conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi here Sunday.
Earlier, both officials discussed the situation in Pakistan.
The diplomat said he had a very productive and constructive meeting with the Pakistani foreign minister.
Washington will help Islamabad to mitigate the energy and economic crisis in the country, he said, adding that the US supports a democratic Pakistan.
“During the meeting the development of energy sector was our primary focus,” he told reporters.
He said the Pakistani leadership is focused to flush out terrorists from its soil and will take action wherever the writ of the government is challenged.
Qureshi said various issues, including economy, energy, enhanced market access, among others, were discussed at the meeting.