Pakistan key partner in war on terror: US Defense Department

Washington, Mar 6 (UNI) Pakistan and the United States have forged a ''strong and enduring defence relationship'' and this has given coalition forces the intelligence information they need to help ''root out terrorists and their allies,'' according to a US Defense Department statement.

In its part to support the work of Pakistan's military forces, the United States has pledged 1.5 billion dollars of foreign military financing to Pakistan from 2005 to 2009; designated Pakistan as a major Non-NATO Ally; and announced ''the intention to move forward with the possible sale of F-16 fighter aircraft,'' the statement said yesterday.

''These commitments are a clear signal that the United States is determined to stand by Pakistan in the long run,'' the statement added.

The defence relationship between the United States and Pakistan is a critical element of the 'War on Terror', and a key component of the security and stability in South Asia. Since 2001, the United States and Pakistan have worked to build a strong and enduring defence relationship which supports our common interests in fighting the War on Terror, building a stable and democratic Afghanistan, and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The US-Pakistan Defence Consultative Group, a forum to oversee and develop the US-Pakistan partnership, is scheduled to meet in May 2006.

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