    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 28, 2008]
    [Pages 1056-1059]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by the United States of America and Pakistan on
    Strategic Partnership
    July 28, 2008

        President George W. Bush welcomed Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza
    Gilani to Washington today for his
    first visit to the United States as the leader of Pakistan's
    democratically elected civilian government. The President and Prime
    Minister reaffirmed their commitment to the long-term Strategic
    Partnership between the United States and Pakistan, which is based on
    shared values and holds immense potential for the enduring peace,
    security, stability, freedom, and prosperity of Pakistan and of the
    region. The President affirmed his support for Pakistan's sovereignty,
    independence, unity, and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed
    that the focus of the broad-based Pakistan-U.S. relationship should
    remain on ensuring the well being of the people by assisting Pakistan to
    implement its national development agenda in a comprehensive manner.
    Pakistan and the United States will work together to eliminate the
    threat of extremism, build strong democratic institutions, modernize
    education, and increase economic growth and opportunity.

    [[Page 1057]]

        President Bush and Prime Minister Gilani reaffirmed their condemnation of terrorism in all its
    forms and manifestations. They acknowledged that terrorism and violent
    extremism pose a common threat to Pakistan, the United States, and the
    international community. The two leaders pledged to work together to
    address this threat and to deny any space to militants or terrorists
    through increased cooperation. The President recognized the sacrifices
    the people of Pakistan and the Pakistani security forces have made in
    the ongoing fight. The President and Prime Minister reiterated that
    success in countering terrorism will require a comprehensive strategy,
    including increased security, improved governance, and opportunity for
    socio-economic development for the people especially in the less
    developed regions of Pakistan. The President and the Prime Minister
    expressed deep sympathy for the families of those who have fallen victim
    to suicide and other terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The Prime Minister
    expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts to promote peace and stability
    in the region. The United States is dedicated to providing Pakistan with
    the support and tools it needs to lead the fight against terrorism.

        The two leaders also committed
    to increased bilateral economic cooperation to include expanded trade,
    an improved investment climate, promoting cooperation in the public and
    private sectors, and agreed to work together to ensure food and energy
    security as well as facilitate investment in infrastructure and social
    sectors in Pakistan.

        In reaffirming the Strategic Partnership, President Bush and Prime
    Minister Gilani attached importance
    to the next round of the Strategic Dialogue, which will be co-chaired by
    the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and
    Pakistan's Foreign Minister,
    in September 2008 and regularly thereafter to review issues of mutual
    interest. In addi- tion, the two leaders committed both countries to
    undertake the following steps in development, counterterrorism,
    economic, and regional cooperation:

    Focus on the needs of the Pakistani people: Food, Health, Education,
    Energy, and Democratic Governance

         The two leaders
                welcomed recent efforts in the U.S. Congress to extend the
                United States' assistance commitment to Pakistan to help
                address Pakistan's most urgent needs, including education,
                agriculture, and energy. The President will continue to work
                with Congress to ensure the continued support of the United
                States to Pakistan over the long term.
         The two leaders agreed
                to institute a separate track for agricultural cooperation
                under the Strategic Dialogue.
         The United States will provide $115.5 million in food
                security assistance to Pakistan, including $42.5 million
                over the next 9 months.
         The United States will assist with disease control
                activities in Pakistan to augment the Prime
                Minister's initiative to
                combat the spread of hepatitis and other infectious
                diseases.
         The United States highlighted its $30 million Pakistan
                Energy Development program focused on improving power
                availability, affordability, and efficiency.
         The United States and Pakistan will hold the next round of
                the U.S.-Pakistan Energy Dialogue this fall to help Pakistan
                meet its vast and growing energy needs.
         The two leaders agreed
                to hold the next round of the U.S.-Pakistan Education
                Dialogue later this year.
         The two leaders agreed
                to continue and enhance robust collaboration in science and
                technology under the successful bilateral Science and
                Technology Framework Agreement.

    [[Page 1058]]

         The United States highlighted its support for democracy
                building and improved governance through project funding.

    Expand Bilateral Trade and Improve the Business Climate

         The two leaders renewed
                a joint commitment to pursue steps to establish
                Reconstruction Opportunity Zones that will expand trade
                opportunities in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
         The United States and Pakistan will work together toward a
                goal of establishing direct non-stop flights between the two
                countries before the end of 2008, expanding people-to-people
                ties and improving the investment climate to the benefit of
                the people of both countries.
         The United States and Pakistan agree to convene officials
                promptly to review the status of bilateral investment treaty
                negotiations.
         The two countries will reconvene the Joint Council under
                the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in September
                2008.
         The U.S.-Pakistan Economic Dialogue will be held on August
                11 in Islamabad.

    Expand Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

         The two leaders agreed
                to strengthen the long-term security relationship with a
                view to enhancing Pakistan's defense capabilities,
                especially in the field of counterterrorism, through
                training and equipment.
         Reconvene the bilateral Defense Consultative Group this
                fall with a renewed focus on counterinsurgency and
                counterterrorism.
         Renew cooperative efforts to root out extremism along the
                Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including the North-West
                Frontier Province, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas,
                and Balochistan.
         Expand cooperation between the United States and the
                Pakistani Frontier Corps and other Pakistani security forces
                on the front lines in the fight against violent extremism.
         Focus U.S. security assistance on efforts to enhance the
                counterterrorism capability of Pakistan's military forces.

    Work Together to Enhance Regional Peace, Security, and Stability

         Strengthen the Tripartite Commission between the
                International Security Assistance Force, Pakistan, and
                Afghanistan.
         Support the efforts of Pakistan and Afghanistan to hold the
                next joint jirga this fall.
         Hold the next Regional Economic Cooperation Conference in
                Islamabad this fall.
         Encourage the Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue process to
                reduce tensions, build trust, and resolve all outstanding
                issues.
        Prime Minister Gilani thanked
    President Bush and the people of the United States for the hospitality
    accorded to him, Mrs. Gilani, and the
    members of the Prime Ministerial delegation during their stay in the
    United States.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.

    [[Page 1059]]