Bush, Pakistani Prime Minister Hold White House Talks

7/28/08 President Bush and Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani discussed greater cooperation in the war on terror and economic matters during a White house meeting today.

The two leaders spoke with reporters after their Oval Office meeting.

"We talked about the common threat we face: extremists who are very dangerous people," Bush said. "We talked about the need for us to make sure that the ... Afghan border is secure as best as possible."

The president said Pakistan has committed to securing the border. Bush told Gilani the United States is committed to helping the Afghan democracy succeed. A peaceful, democratic country on its western border is in Pakistan's interest, the president said.

"We are committed to fight against those extremists and terrorists who are destroying and making the world not safe," Gilani said. "This is our own war. This is a war which is against Pakistan, and we'll fight for our own cause. And that is because I've lost my own leader, Benazir Bhutto, because of the militants."

Gilani assured the American people that the people of Pakistan "want the peace in the world, and they want to cooperate."

Bush stressed that the United States respects Pakistan's national sovereignty. "We also appreciate the prime minister's strong words against the extremists and terrorists who not only would do us harm but have harmed people inside Pakistan," Bush said.

This was Bush's second meeting with Gilani, who took office March 24.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service