[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.

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    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.
      

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     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.

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