By NNN-APP,
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : President George W. Bush on Sunday appreciated Pakistan’s role in war against terrorism and said it was making serious efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of World Economic Forum on Middle East here, President Bush lauded Pakistan’s initiatives to curb the menace of terrorism and extremism, posing threat to the entire world.
Bush appreciated the fact that the people of Pakistan were willing to fight against terrorism.
“The Prime Minister and I talked about our common desire to protect ourselves and others from those who could do harm…I am thankful for the steadfast support from Pakistan,” he told media after his around an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Gilani in the red sea resort.
Prime Minister Gilani said he discussed with President Bush the threat faced to the world by extremism and terrorism.
“Our government is committed to fight against terrorism as it is against humanity. We have lost our great leader because of terrorism. We stand by the world in the fight against terrorism.”
The two leaders also discussed ways and means to enhance economic cooperation between United States and Pakistan and urged for expanding bilateral ties in the fields of defence, commerce and socio-economic uplift.
Prime Minister Gilani said, “I appreciate support of President Bush to our country on social sector, economy and energy…We want to work together on these matters.”
President Bush said, “I appreciate the discussion we had, appreciate the fact that we are committed to working to further strengthen relations that are strong, vibrant and productive.”
President Bush said relations between Pakistan and United States were good and would continue to be good.
“This meeting will help advance these relations,” he added.
Gilani said there was a change in the system with the formation of new democratic government in Pakistan.
He said, “I have been unanimously elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan. This is for the first time in the history of parliament in Pakistan and reflects the desire of the people to see a visible change in the system.”
During the talks, the two leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan.
They noted that both Pakistan and Afghanistan needed to jointly play their roles in ensuring stability in the region by taking effective measures within their borders.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan had played the role of a frontline state in war against terrorism and would continue to fighting against terrorists.
He mentioned the government’s three-pronged strategy with specific focus on political dialogue and socio-economic uplift of the tribal people, being implemented in tribal areas to eradicate extremism.
President Bush said Pakistan was dealing with serious issues including the food crisis.
“I told the Prime Minister that we can talk to President of Afghanistan to make his country self-sufficient to reduce pressure on Pakistan.”