ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: A seven-member high-powered US Congressional delegation led by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on President Gen Pervez Musharraf at the Army House on Saturday evening and affirmed the strategic importance of US-Pakistan relations.

During the meeting that went on for over an hour the delegation reiterated continued US support for closer bilateral cooperation in different fields and lauded Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism and sacrifices rendered by the country.

The US Congressional delegation that arrived here on Saturday comprises Speaker Nancy Pelosi and six other leading members of the House of Representatives. Among them were Tom Lantos (Chairman, House International Relations Committee), Ike Skelton (Chairman, House Armed Services Committee) and Silvestre Reyes (Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence).

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from San Francisco, has recently made history by being elected the first woman speaker of the US House of Representatives that made her the highest ranking woman ever in American politics.

A tough opponent of the Republicans and a strong critic of the Bush Administration’s policies, she has been described as “Jackie Kennedy on the outside and Margaret Thatcher on the inside.”

Discussions between the president and the US Congressional delegation covered all aspects of bilateral relations and regional issues, particularly the controversial new piece of Pakistan-specific legislation approved by the US House of Representative and the situation in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, President Musharraf reiterated that Pakistan’s resolve to fight extremism and terrorism was unshakeable, a Foreign Office statement said.

The delegation was apprised of the comprehensive strategy being followed by Pakistan, comprising political, military, administrative and economic tracks, it added. The president underscored that a holistic approach was essential to effectively combat the challenges of extremism and terrorism. While noting the importance of military means, he emphasized that the solution lay essentially in a political approach.

President Musharraf told the delegation that it was in Pakistan’s vital interest to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. The Congressional delegation was informed about the measures taken by Pakistan to strengthen control and management along the Pak-Afghan border.

“The president underlined that security along the border was a joint responsibility. The need for all sides to enhance coordination was emphasized,” the statement said, adding: “He said that a comprehensive plan for repatriation of Afghan refugees would help to promote security. The delegation appreciated Pakistan’s valuable contribution to the peace and stabilization process in Afghanistan.”

While appreciating Pakistan’s success in eradicating poppy cultivation, the

Congressional delegation expressed interest in the US and Pakistan cooperating to assist drug eradication efforts in Afghanistan.

On the bilateral front, President Musharraf underlined the importance

Islamabad attached to a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with Washington. He also stressed the importance of strong defence ties.

Referring to the development of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, the president stressed the significance of strong trade and economic ties to underpin an enduring relationship. Initiatives like the

Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and Fata Sustainable Development Plan were important in this regard, he noted.

Drawing attention to misperceptions in sections of the Western media about Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism, the president said the

US Congress could help in removing these misperceptions.

The delegation expressed appreciation for the president’s concept of

Enlightened Moderation and the steps taken towards its realization.

The president also briefed the delegation about the Pakistan-India peace process and efforts for the resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

He sought the US support for efforts to promote durable peace and stability in South Asia, emphasising the need for seizing the historic opportunity before the two countries to resolve Kashmir.

The president informed the delegation about his recent visit to the Middle

Eastern countries for consultations on the deteriorating situation in the region, especially the Palestine issue.

“He told the delegation that the situation in Palestine was at the centre of the tension and conflict in the region and emphasized the need for resolving the Palestinian issue to promote peace and stability in the region,” the statement said, adding: “The president also shared his perspective on the situation in the Middle East and Iraq with the delegation.”