Country committed to terror war, Boucher told

Islamabad: US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher held talks here on Friday on counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, bilateral relations and regional issues.

An official statement said President Musharraf reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to fight terrorism and extremism as part of its vision of a moderate, progressive and forward-looking country.

The president underscored the importance of steady development of strategic and multifaceted Pakistan-US relationship, it said.

During the meeting progress was reviewed on efforts for social-economic development in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan and mobilisation of resources for it.

During the visit of President Bush to Pakistan in March last year, the US had agreed to assist creation of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in the tribal territory.

According to the statement Musharraf outlined the steps Pakistan was taking to help the stabilisation and reconstruction processes in Afghanistan.

The president emphasised that security along the Pakistan-Afghan border was a joint responsibility and that all sides must enhance coordination to promote security and stability.

Pakistan would continue to work with its international partners to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, Mush-arraf told Boucher.