WASHINGTON, April 1: The White House said on Friday that Pakistan and India were both US partners in the global war on terrorism and the United States administration would continue to work closely with them. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan made the remarks while commenting on a suggestion at a briefing that the US should stop all weapon sales to South Asia for 10 years and encourage Pakistan and India on more pressing needs such as health and education.

“Education and health care are important, they are priorities for this president (Bush), as well, in his country,” said Mr McClellan. “In terms of those countries, I think you need to address those questions to those countries.” The US, he said, provided “a lot of support” to developing countries in their efforts to develop educational and health care institutions. “And we will continue to do so.”

Going back to the US offer to sell sophisticated weapons to both Pakistan and India, Mr McClellan said: “They are both partners in the global war on terrorism, and we are working closely with both to confront the threats that we face today.” The US, he said, consulted its allies on issues related to the war on terror and helped them overcome the threats they might face.

“And we are going to continue to show support for our partners in the global war on terrorism,” he added.