DAVOS, Jan 23: Soon after his arrival here to attend the World Economic Forum, President Pervez Musharraf went into a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and assured her of his commitment to fight terrorism and extremism and restore democracy in the country.

An official statement issued after the meeting said: “They discussed all aspects of Pakistan-US relations, including Pakistan’s pivotal role in the global war on terror”.

The statement said President Musharraf “stressed the importance of a broad-based, long-term Pakistan-US relationship which would serve the interests of both countries”.

The US secretary of state “appreciated” Pakistan’s enormous contribution and sacrifices made in the war against terrorism and “assured President Musharraf of continued US support in this endeavour”.

The president assured the US secretary of state Pakistan’s February 18 general election will be free, fair and peaceful and the government will make sure equal participation of all political parties.

He apprised Ms Rice about the multi-pronged strategy being pursued by Pakistan to combat terrorism and extremism. He said Pakistan strategy covered political, administrative and military means.

He also updated her on the measures taken by Pakistan for holding the general election in a free and peaceful atmosphere. He said Pakistan remained committed to democracy despite recent troubling events.