Pak, US reaffirm commitment to fight terror

Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), May 19 : At the first meeting between the heads of government after a new democratic government assumed office in Islamabad, Pakistan and the US are learnt to have reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against terrorism and extremism.

Addressing press persons after their first meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Middle East last evening, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and US President George W Bush said: "We stand by the world to fight against terrorism."

The US President said they talked about their common interest "to protect ourselves and others from those who can do harm", reported the Daily Times.

Replying to a question whether the missile strike had been discussed, Gilani said "yes", but Bush did not comment.

Sources said that the US President did not show interest in Pakistan's domestic affairs and when a reference was made to a general situation, he said, "That is your internal affair."

The issue of sacked judges also did not figure in the meeting, added sources.

Regarding the issue of Kashmir between Pakistan and India, they quoted the US president as saying that, "We see a major and significant development in Pak-India relations ... the time is ripe for the solution of Kashmir issue".

The two leaders also discussed the international food crisis and the US president showed keen interest in development and progress in health and education sectors in Pakistan.

ANI