US pledges long-term ties with Islamabad

WASHINGTON (APP) - US National Security Adviser James Jones assured Pakistan of long-term ties in meetings with the countrys top leadership and commended successful anti-Taliban drive in Swat during a visit to the north-western valley this week, according to a White House spokesman Friday.
During the just-concluded visit, Jones, a retired Marines general, met with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
He discussed a variety of issues of mutual concern to both countries, including the full spectrum of development and security matters, National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said.
In particular, he reiterated our commitment to a long-term and comprehensive relationship with Pakistan, the spokesman added in a statement.
General Jones also travelled to the Swat Valley and elsewhere in Northwest Frontier Province and congratulated the Pakistani Army and Frontier Corps on the success of their security operations. He also noted the tremendous sacrifices made by Pakistans security forces, the statement said.
The national security advisors five-day trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan helped him view first-hand the current status of efforts in the light of President Obamas strategy in the region.
In Afghanistan, General Jones met with Senior Afghan, US., and ISAF leadership and travelled to Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Panjshir.
His travels allowed him to personally review efforts in the critical areas of security, development, and governance, the spokesman stated.