ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: The United States on Tuesday assured Pakistan of continuity and expansion of bilateral ties in all spheres, particularly economic and security matters.

The assurance was held out by the visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage during wide-ranging talks with President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri and Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar.

During his meeting with the president, Mr Armitage reaffirmed Bush Administration's commitment to building strong ties with Pakistan.

"The deputy secretary highlighted the priorities of the Bush Administration for the next four years in the office, which included further broadening the bilateral relations with Pakistan in economic and security fields," the foreign office spokesman said later.

The president and the US deputy secretary also discussed the war on terrorism, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Pakistan-India dialogue process and the situation in the Middle East.

Gen Musharraf underlined the need for greater efforts by the Bush administration to resolve the Palestine issue. He asserted that a just resolution of the long-standing disputes affecting Muslims would help bring the present turmoil to an end and eradicate the roots of terror and extremism.

"The president emphasized tangible progress in Pakistan-India dialogue process. It was his hope that a debate on options in Kashmir would take us nearer a solution," a foreign office statement said.

In the evening, Mr Armitage called on Prime Minister Aziz at the PM House. While congratulating the deputy secretary on President Bush's victory in the US elections, Mr Aziz hoped that it would augur well for the Pakistan-US relations.

The prime minister discussed with the US deputy secretary measures aimed at increasing economic, technical, defence and security cooperation between the two countries. He advocated increased market access for Pakistani products in the US to create more jobs in Pakistan and boost economic activity.

Mr Aziz said as chairman of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation, Pakistan was playing an active role in revitalizing the grouping for better cooperation among the South Asian countries. In this context, he pointed to his recent visit to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka, Maldives and India.

Referring to the dialogue process with India, the prime minister said it would get a boost during his upcoming visit to New Delhi.

Mr Armitage appreciated Pakistan's efforts to ensure peace and security in the region.

MEETING WITH KASURI: In his meeting with Foreign Minister Kasuri, the US deputy secretary underscored the role being played by Pakistan for promoting regional stability and security.

"They agreed that relations and cooperation should stay on course and on the need to strengthen relations in the area of investment, economic development, defence and security needs," the FO spokesman said.

Mr Armitage referred to the broad-based and solid support that Pakistan enjoyed in the US as highlighted in the 9/11 Commission report on the need for a long-term commitment and strategic relations with Islamabad.

The progress in the resumption of composite dialogue with India aimed at addressing all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, also figured in their discussions.

"Mr Armitage reiterated America's continuing interest in the ongoing peace process between the two countries," the FO spokesman said.

The situation in Afghanistan was discussed and satisfaction was expressed at the growing closeness between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mr Kasuri briefed the US deputy secretary about the president's recent visit to Kabul.

They also exchanged views on the US-sponsored Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative.

DELEGATION-LEVEL TALKS: Earlier, at the foreign ministry delegation-level talks, the two sides covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar led the talks from the Pakistan side. US Assistant secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca and US ambassador-designate Ryan C. Crocker were present on the occasion.

Mr Armitage said that the US government would maintain continuity in its policy towards Pakistan and strive towards enhancing US-Pakistan relations in economic and commercial spheres, the FO spokesman said.

Mr Armitage told Mr Khokhar that the US was looking at ways to accelerate its interaction with Pakistan. He was told that Pakistan was also keen to promote a solid, broad-based and long-term relationship with the US encompassing cooperation in the areas of investment, trade and defence.

While expressing satisfaction over the continuing engagement between Pakistan and India, the US deputy secretary assured his hosts of Washington's continued support for the dialogue process and engagement in the region.

"The foreign secretary and the US deputy secretary underlined that Pakistan and the US, as coalition partners, would continue to cooperate in the war against terrorism," the FO spokesman said.