U.S. Vice President-elect Joseph Biden calls on the President
(2009-01-09)
U.S. Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden along with Senator Lindsey Graham called on President Asif Ali Zardari today. Pakistan-U.S. relations including counter-terrorism cooperation, situation in the region and other issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting.
The President called for a close, stable, long-term and broad based relationship between Pakistan and the United States for promoting peace, stability and progress in the region, and beyond. He said that Pakistan was committed to fight terrorism and extremism in its own interest. Pakistan needed the support and understanding of the international community in this effort.
The President also apprised the Vice President-elect of democratic government’s economic priorities and the policies being framed to achieve socio-economic progress.
The US Vice President-elect underscored that United States valued its relationship with Pakistan, which was one of the most important relationship for the United States. He described Pakistan as an incredibly valued US ally andsaid that U.S. recognized Pakistan’s important contribution and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Mr Biden assured that the new US Administration would support Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen democracy, countering terrorism and would also assist to meet its socio-economic requirements and capacity building. The US Vice President, who is also the co-author of Biden-Lugar Bill in the Senate, assured the Pakistani leadership of US incoming Administration’s continued assistance to Pakistan
The US Vice President-elect expressed the hope that both Pakistan and India will be able to overcome the current tensions and would resolve their differences peacefully.
Islamabad
09 January 2009