Islamabad: A delegation of US senators has met Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss matters related to mutual cooperation and the fight against terrorism, an official said.
Senators Robert P. Casey, Sheldon Whitehouse, Michael Bennet and Richard Blumenthal along with US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Hoagland called on Zardari at his residence Saturday, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s call for a “long term, sustainable and multi-faceted relationship” with the US based on principles of sovereign equality, respect and trust, the president’s spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said.
The president said the two countries should not let some isolated incidents affect their equation and undo the efforts of building a long-term relationship.
On the fight against terror, Zardari told the visiting senators: “Pakistan is committed to pursue this struggle till its logical conclusion no matter how many sacrifices we may have to offer.”
To permanently exterminate militancy, the focus must be on socio-economic development in those areas that were hit hard by the menace, he said.
Imparting quality education to youth and then utilising their capabilities by offering them jobs was essential to defeat militants and the extremist mindset. The visiting US delegation had Friday met Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. (IANS)
