PESHAWAR - The US Central Command Chief General David Petraeus and US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher met NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti on Tuesday and held detailed talks with him on the ongoing war on terror in the region. According to an official handout, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral issues, particularly the ongoing war on terror and the NWFP government's strategies for combating militancy and terrorism in the region. Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, Gen David Petraeus claimed that senior Al-Qaeda leadership is present and visible in Pakistani tribal belt. He said Al-Qaeda presence could not be neglected, as it was a threat to the world peace. In his meeting with the US officials, Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti said that his government is determined to bring peace and stability in the area and in this regard, he drew the attention of the visiting dignitaries to the NWFP government's steps for putting militancy to an end. NWFP Chief Minister also informed the US officials of certain administrative and economic problems, which had enabled terrorists to establish routes in the region, the handout said. Amir Haider Khan Hoti also briefed the US officials about the government's various steps to address economic, political and administrative issues of the people. He further said that the international community must help the NWFP government in its efforts for eradicating the root causes of terrorism in the region. The US head of the Central Command General David Petraeus in his brief remarks on the occasion, expressed his satisfaction over the outcome of his visit. He said that he understands Pakistani leaders' point of view and hopes that it could enable the two sides to form trust-worthy relations with each other. Gen David Petraeus and Richard Boucher, accompanied by US Ambassador to Pakistan and US Consul General in Peshawar, held a meeting with NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti at Frontier House. The Americans also held detailed talks with NWFP Governor Owais Ghani. Agencies add: Petraeus said the US had already raised the issue of Pakistani intelligence agencies contacts with militants, however, their meeting with Pakistani leadership was positive. To a question about the US attacks in Pakistani tribal areas, he said it had come under consideration in different meetings between both the sides. He said both sides were feeling the real dangers of militants' activities. Responding to another question, he said the US was supporting talks of Pakistani government with those militants who give up such activities. Petraeus said that he would consider rising Pakistani criticism of US missile strikes on suspected militant targets in the tribal areas. Pakistani military and government leaders told Gen David Petraeus on Monday that such cross-border strikes fanned anti-American sentiment in an allied country considered vital to success in the war on terror. During the interview with CNN, Petraeus confirmed the Pakistani criticisms in Monday's sessions. "In fact, we got certain messages with each of those we talked and some of those were very clear and we have to take those on board," CNN quoted Petraeus as saying. "The tone of the conversation was very frank and very forthright, as it should be," he added later. "This is a partnership, a cooperative endeavour designed to achieve mutual goals and mutual interests and so we have to clearly accept that." The US military over the years had complained that Pakistan had not done enough against militants - a claim Islamabad denied. The United States also has complained that some Pakistani intelligence officials are helping the Taliban. Petraeus said he broached the subject Monday. "Well, in fact, we raised this issue," Petraeus said. "And I think the tone of the conversation was very frank and very forthright as it should be, among partners who are facing a truly serious challenge, and that's the way we want to see it characterised and play out in the future." Pakistan realises the threat that terrorists pose, Petraeus said, and is committed to acting on it. "One of the clear messages that I got was the recognition by Pakistan's leaders of the existential threat as they see it from extremists who are in those areas," Petraeus said. "They are very serious about dealing with that threat." "There are a lot of assets, if you will, and resources that are required," the general said. "Certainly, there are additional forces that are announced as going to Afghanistan from the US as well as some of the other coalition members." Petraeus also reiterated that the US would not oppose the Afghani or Pakistani governments talking with some elements of the Taliban or other insurgents. "It is conceivable that at some point there could be dialogue between various governments and some of those they would deem as reconcilable," Petraeus said. "I have also said on a number of occasions that it's not possible to kill or capture your way out of an industrial strength insurgency, which is clearly what Afghanistan faces." Speaking to CNN International, the Pakistani ambassador to the United States, expressed his country's displeasure Monday in no uncertain terms. "The US has to stop acting unilaterally," said Ambassador Hussain Haqqani.