[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 30 (Monday, August 4, 2008)]
[Pages 1035-1037]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.
    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

[[Page 1036]]

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 addition, 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

 <bullet>    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.
 <bullet>    The two leaders agreed to institute a separate track for 
            agricultural cooperation under the Strategic Dialogue.
 <bullet>    The United States will provide $115.5 million in food 
            security assistance to Pakistan, including $42.5 million 
            over the next 9 months.
 <bullet>    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.
 <bullet>    The United States highlighted its $30 million Pakistan 
            Energy Development program focused on improving power 
            availability, affordability, and efficiency.
 <bullet>    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.
 <bullet>    The two leaders agreed to hold the next round of the U.S.-
            Pakistan Education Dialogue later this year.
 <bullet>    The two leaders agreed to continue and enhance robust 
            collaboration in science and technology under the successful 
            bilateral Science and Technology Framework Agreement.
 <bullet>    The United States highlighted its support for democracy 
            building and improved governance through project funding.

Expand Bilateral Trade and Improve the Business Climate

 <bullet>    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.
 <bullet>    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.
 <bullet>    The United States and Pakistan agree to convene officials 
            promptly to review the status of bilateral investment treaty 
            negotiations.
 <bullet>    The two countries will reconvene the Joint Council under 
            the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in September 
            2008.
 <bullet>    The U.S.-Pakistan Economic Dialogue will be held on August 
            11 in Islamabad.

Expand Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

 <bullet>    The two leaders agreed to strengthen the long-term security 
            relationship with a view to enhancing Pakistan's defense

[[Page 1037]]

            capabilities, especially in the field of counterterrorism, 
            through training and equipment.

 <bullet>    Reconvene the bilateral Defense Consultative Group this 
            fall with a renewed focus on counterinsurgency and 
            counterterrorism.

 <bullet>    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.

 <bullet>    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.

 <bullet>    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

 <bullet>    Strengthen the Tripartite Commission between the 
            International Security Assistance Force, Pakistan, and 
            Afghanistan.

 <bullet>    Support the efforts of Pakistan and Afghanistan to hold the 
            next joint jirga this fall.

 <bullet>    Hold the next Regional Economic Cooperation Conference in 
            Islamabad this fall.

 <bullet>    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.