Leaders congratulate Zardari
Thu, September 11 2008
U.S. President George W. Bush said he ‘looks forward to working with him, Prime Minister (Yousuf Raza) Gilani, and the government of Pakistan on issues important to both countries.’ Those include ‘counterterrorism and making sure Pakistan has a stable and secure economy.’
Britain, from which Pakistan won independence 61 years ago, pledged to work closely with Zardari to promote stability and fight the “shared threat of violent extremism” in the country, a key ally.
In a statement made hours after lawmakers voted Zardari into office, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he looked “forward to working closely with president Zardari to further deepen our partnership with Pakistan...We want to work with the government to support measures that promote stability, democracy and the rule of law and strengthen the democratic transition,” Miliband added.
He went on: ‘The United Kingdom stands ready to assist the government in combating the shared threat of violent extremism and meeting the economic challenges they face.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he hoped Mr Zardari’s election would herald an upturn in relations. “Hamid Karzai, besides congratulating the Pakistan’s People’s Party over their victory in the election, wished success for Asif Ali Zardari,” a statement said.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have a difficult relationship because of concerns about militant unrest.
