[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]]