Forthcoming talks to strengthen US-Pak ties: Zardari

Islamabad, July 17 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed hope that the upcoming strategic dialogue with the US would help both countries advance the progress made on all issues between both nations.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is slated to visit Islamabad next week to hold talks on various issues, while Special US Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard C. Holbrooke has already arrived in the country.

During a meeting with Holbrooke here, Zardari said Pakistan is committed to bringing the 'war on terror' to its logical end.

"Despite the great human and material toll, we are determined to pursue our struggle till its logical end," The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

He said that the international community must take into consideration Islambad's "requirements and valid concerns" while chalking out any regional strategy against terrorism.

Commenting on the Afghan crisis, Zardari underlined that peace and stability in the war ravaged country was in interest of Pakistan, adding that his country would not interfere in the troubled neighbouring country's internal issues.

"We firmly believe in the policy of neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan," he said.

Zardari told Holbrooke that Pakistan fully supports Afghan President Hamid Karzai-led political reconciliation process. (ANI)