ISLAMABAD, March 4: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said that strong US-Pakistan relations were in the interest of peace in the region. Addressing a dinner hosted in honour of President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, President Musharraf said the US-Pakistan relations had been seeing ups and down.

“We stood by each other during the cold war. We are facing new challenges today. We took decisions in mutual interest and we are working for the cause of peace. Both are fighting against terrorism,” he underscored.

President Musharraf stressed the need for resolution of the Kashmir issue for peace in the region, saying that such a solution should be worked out which was acceptable to Pakistan, India and the people of Kashmir.

The United States should lend help in this process, he urged.

He reiterated that Pakistan had potential to become hub of economic activities. “We can serve as corridor of infrastructure, communication and energy in the region.”

He said: “We are grateful to the US government for providing relief assistance for quake affectees.”

Speaking on the occasion, President Bush hoped that US and Pakistan would win peace by defeating terrorism and terrorists. “We will forge long partnership with Pakistan,” he added.

He described people of Pakistan as bold people and President Musharraf a courageous leader.

He noted: “We are major ally of Pakistan in war against terrorism and for bringing peace.”—Online