Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff United States called on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani separately on Wednesday. Views were exchanged on bilateral cooperation during the meetings. Michael Mullen met President Asif Ali Zardari at President House Islamabad. Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani was also present during the meeting. Matters related to ongoing fight against militants, bilateral cooperation, new US strategy towards the region and its implications were discussed during the meeting. Later Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani had a separate meeting with the President. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated the Government of Pakistans resolve to promote long-term strategic partnership with the United States.It is our desire to engage closely with the US with a view to enhance cooperation for the achievement of common objectives, Prime Minister Gilani said while talking to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen who called on him at the PM House. During the meeting Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani assisted the Prime Minister. Talking about the ongoing military operation against the militants, the Prime Minister said that this is our own war and every effort would be made to eliminate this menace. He said that Pakistan would continue to engage with the US and international community in developing a pragmatic and effective approach to address the issues that have endangered security and stability in the region as a whole. The Prime Minister said that drone attacks in Balochistan would be highly counter-productive and would affect Government of Pakistans efforts to confront the challenge of terrorism. The Prime Minister said that pledges made during the FODP meeting should be fulfilled without any delay to enable Pakistan fight the militancy effectively. He further said that Pakistan expects the US for timely reimbursement of its claims on account of coalition support fund. Admiral Michael Mullen informed the Prime Minister that US desires good relations with Pakistan. He also appreciated the role and successes of Pakistan Army in its fight against the militants. American Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Paterson was also present during the meeting.
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