ISLAMABAD, Jan 15: President General Pervez Musharraf has expressed gratitude at the prompt and substantive assistance provided by the United States for the earthquake relief. The president was talking to US Senator John Kerry during a meeting on Sunday. US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker was also present at the meeting.

The president also outlined steps taken by the government for relief and rehabilitation in the quake-stricken areas.

Senator Kerry, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, conveyed the sympathy of the American people on the loss of life and property caused by the natural calamity. He praised the relief work being undertaken by the government.

The president expressed satisfaction over the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries and appreciated the bipartisan support in the US Congress to a broad-based bilateral relationship.

He expressed support for expanding and deepening relations between the two countries.

The president informed the US senator of measures being taken in the fight against terrorism and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to rooting out terrorism.

Senator Kerry expressed appreciation for the cooperation Pakistan is extending to the international community in the fight against terrorism.

The president recalled his concept of enlightened moderation which calls on the West to help address political disputes that give rise to extremism and to assist Islamic countries in alleviating poverty and promoting socio-economic development. —APP