ISLAMABAD, Oct 28: Pakistan and the United States enjoy a long-term strategic partnership which will not be affected by the outcome of November 2 presidential elections, says the outgoing US Ambassador to Pakistan. "There is a bi-partisan approach being pursued by both the Republican and Democrat parties towards Pakistan.

Therefore, it does not make any difference whether President Bush wins the elections or Senator John Kerry," Ms Nancy Powell said.

She told a group of reporters here on Thursday at her residence that there was a strategic depth in Pakistan-US relations, based on mutual trust and growing understanding on vital regional and international issues.

"I am leaving at a time when we have made great progress in developing, strengthening and broadening our relationship in all the important political, military and economic fields between the two countries," she maintained.

She said the United States was committed to extending substantial military and economic help to Pakistan under a five-year assistance programme.

She extensively cited the 9/11 inquiry commission report according to which the importance of Pakistan could not be ignored as it was playing a key role in the war on terror.

"If you go through the language of the commission report you would see that Pakistan is playing a central role in the region," she said, adding that designating Pakistan a non-Nato ally showed that Washington believed in a long-term relationship with Islamabad.

"It is a wrong perception that our friendship with Pakistan would end the day we achieve our objectives in this part of the world. We have put a dent on that perception, especially during the last two and half years," she claimed.

Asked to comment on the question of President Pervez Musharraf's military uniform, she said the State Department had already given its reaction over the issue. She did not elaborate.

Ms Powell, however, said that Pakistan was well on road to democracy "which will continue to be strengthened". Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who had earlier worked for improving the country's economy, would now strive to strengthen democratic institutions, she said.

About President Musharraf's latest statement on Kashmir, the US ambassador said the Pakistani president needed to be appreciated as he was seeking to forge a consensus in Pakistan about an old problem that had been a source of discord with its neighbour India.

"We recognize the need for a dialogue between the two neighbours and debating policy options on Kashmir, as was urged by the president, is something which should be encouraged".

She said there was an enormous amount of concern about Pakistan-India relations when she had arrived in Pakistan two and a half years ago. Tension was high and both the countries were tottering on the brink of a war. However, that threat was averted when Deputy Secretary of State for Defence Richard Armitage and then Secretary of State Colin Powell visited the region.

"The United States played a bigger role. In fact, the people of both the countries played a huge role in improving relations between your two countries," she said.

Ms Powell said "today it is very encouraging" to see the improved Pakistan-India relations. "The Indian cricket team was extended a huge hospitality in Pakistan that had helped a lot in removing mistrust of decades."