press releases
U.S., Pakistan Re-affirm Commitment To Fight Terrorism And Importance Of Bilateral Relationship
09/23/2006
Washington - Thanking President Musharraf for "working on common strategies to protect both our peoples," President George W. Bush welcomed President Pervez Musharraf to the White House on September 22. As he recalled the hospitality and importance of his visit to Pakistan last March, President Bush said that the current visit to the United States had reaffirmed the friendship of both leaders.
President Bush noted that Pakistan was one of the first nations to come forward after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. He called Pakistan "a steadfast partner" whose "commitment has not wavered. And our partnership has widened as a result."
Following meetings on the full range of bilateral and regional issues, President Bush and President Musharraf spoke at a joint press conference in the East Wing of the White House. President Bush noted the following bilateral and regional topics that had been discussed:
Intelligence cooperation. "Because of the good work of our intelligence forces and Pakistani intelligence forces, as we helped people in the United Kingdom, we prevented the loss of innocent life. That kind of cooperation is necessary in a world in which extremists and radicals are willing to kill to try to achieve political objectives."
Earthquake recovery. The United States was proud to support Pakistan "because we care when we see people suffering. I was impressed by the great organization and compassion shown for the Pakistani people by your government."
Economic development. The Presidents discussed the need to move forward on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones and a Bilateral Investment Treaty. "Our relationship is more than just helping to secure our respective homelands. Ours is a relationship that recognizes that through economic prosperity, people can better themselves."
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas. "The governor of the areas are with us here, and he briefed me and members of my national security team on the strategy to strengthen governance and to promote economic development."
Education. "The first time I ever met President Musharraf, he talked about the need to make sure that school systems in Pakistan worked well. I was impressed then, and I'm impressed now, by your commitment to an education system that gives students the skills necessary to compete in a global economy."
Democracy. "The last time I was with the President, he assured me, and assured the people that were listening to the news conference, that there would be free and fair elections in Pakistan in 2007. He renewed that commitment, because he understands that the best way to defeat radicalism and extremism is to give people a chance to participate in the political process of a nation."
Relations with India. "I was pleased to see that in Havana Prime Minister Singh and President Musharraf had another discussion. I think it’s very important that the issue of Kashmir move forward and be resolved peacefully. And I appreciate your efforts, Mr. President."
Afghanistan. "President Musharraf and President Karzai and I will have dinner here in the White House next week. It’s going to be an important discussion because one of the most important avenues for peace is for Afghanistan to succeed. It’s in our mutual interests that we work together to help that country that has been devastated by war to succeed."
A full transcript of the joint statements and press question and answer is available on the State Department website at http://www.state.gov An Urdu translation of the full text is available on the website of the U.S. Embassy Islamabad website at http://islamabad.usembassy.gov