Islamabad, May 20, IRNA — US National Security Advisor and Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Wednesday met President Asif Ali Zardari and ‘provided an update on ongoing investigation into Times Square terrorist incident, a joint statement said.
US citizen of Pakistani origin Faisal Shahzad,30, was arrested by US authorities on charges of plotting the bomb at the Times Square on May 01 and sources said that the visit of the two top American officials mainly focused on the progress in the probe.
“General Jones expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation the United States is receiving from Pakistan as well as the tremendous sacrifice of the Pakistani military, law enforcement and people in their efforts to combat extremists,” said the joint statement issued after the meeting.
“The talks covered measures that both countries are, and will be, taking to confront the common threat we face from extremists and prevent such potential attacks from occurring again and both parties acknowledged the extreme challenge of thwarting each and every plot and terrorist action, both sides pledged to intensify efforts, increase cooperation, and do everything possible to protect our citizens”.
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, it said.
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 joint statement said.
The talks provided an opportunity to review progress on the many areas addressed in the recent strategic dialogue held in Washington, it said.
“Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening ties across the broad spectrum of issues between our countries, including trade, economic growth, and development”.
The parties agreed to continue frequent government-to-government contacts and further senior-level engagement in order to advance our common interests and provide a better, more secure future for our people, the statement said.
President Asif Ali Zardari said that militancy and terrorism was the common enemy and that the existing robust cooperation between the two countries must continue to fight the menace.
He noted that Pakistan desires a long-term, multifaceted and durable relationship with the United States which no incident should be able to adversely impact.