Hillary Clinton calls on Zardari, Gilani, assures US help

ISLAMABAD: Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton assured Pakistan of additional US support in addressing issues in energy, water and agriculture sectors on priority basis during the ongoing strategic dialogue. Hillary Clinton who was leading a high level US delegation on Sunday evening called on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Matters relating to the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US, bilateral relations, regional situation, fight against militancy and mutual cooperation and assistance to Pakistan were discussed during the meeting. Spokesperson to President Farhatullah Babar said that the President called for a focused and result oriented strategic dialogue adding that issues relating to Pakistan's energy needs were most important and needed to be dealt with urgently. Other subjects that came under discussion during the talks included drone attacks, post-conflict rehabilitation of the affected areas, strengthening of the law enforcing agencies and the timely reimbursement of coalition support funds arrears. Welcoming Ms. Clinton on her second visit to Pakistan in less than a year, the President said that her visit as part of the strategic dialogue was a manifestation of the deepening strategic ties between the two countries. It was reassuring that the long term political and strategic partnership of their two countries was, as it had to be, based on mutual interest, common values and shared goals, the President said. A durable and long lasting relationship must also be based on respect for democracy and sovereignty and a joint commitment to fight the forces of extremism and militancy, he added. US Secretary of State Ms. Clinton thanked the President for the warm welcome extended to her during her visit. She appreciated the efforts being made by Pakistan for economic stability and poverty alleviation. Saying that the Administration was conscious of the need for creating economic opportunity for the Pakistani people in their fight against militancy she reiterated US commitment to support the people of Pakistan to strengthening of democratic institutions for promoting stability and investment in energy, education and social sector. She expressed determination to strengthen the ties between the two countries in all areas particularly in areas of energy, water, agriculture and trade development. Meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his satisfaction on the successful sectoral track meetings of Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue saying Pakistan had prepared a set of documents envisaging future plans for taking the relationship beyond the war on terror and Kerry Lugar assistance programme. He expressed the hope that the Fifth Round of Strategic Dialogue scheduled for Monday to be co-chaired by Foreign Minister of Pakistan and US Secretary of State will be productive and produce positive results. He was talking to Ms. Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who called on him at the Prime Minister House Sunday evening. The prime minister reiterated his invitation to President Obama to undertake an exclusive state visit to Pakistan in the near future. He said that President Obama's visit will not only boost the democratic forces in Pakistan and strengthen bilateral relations, it would also create a positive image of the US amongst the people of Pakistan. The prime minister underlined the importance of public diplomacy, which in his view was vital for removing misperceptions on both sides and building higher amount of trust between the two sides. He urged for US Government's assistance in building water reservoirs and enhancing the power generation capacity. He also underlined the need for greater economic cooperation between Pakistan and US to address the root causes of terrorism like illiteracy, poverty and under development. While appreciating that US was actively engaging with Pakistan to deliver on its pledges made at Tokyo Donors Conference and encouraging other donors to do likewise, the Prime Minister regretted that most of the pledges had remained unfulfilled and his government urgently wanted the disbursement of the committed amount to finalize the Malakand Package. The US Secretary of State Ms Hillary Clinton said that US was committed to a long lasting strategic relationship with Pakistan based on mutual interests of both sides. She said she would be making specific announcement on Monday to help Pakistan in energy and water conservation sector. She said the Administrator of USAID who was accompanying her, after Fifth Round of Strategic Dialogue, would also hold discussions with the relevant Pakistani authorities for deciding upon the projects for bilateral cooperation in host of areas.