Pakistan and the US have resolved to ensure that Al Qaeda is “dismantled, disrupted and defeated”, though Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani wants a distinction to be made between the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
The matter figured in a telephonic conversation late last night between Gilani and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, an official statement said.
The two leaders held extensive discussions on Pakistan-US relations after Clinton called the Premier.
“Both the leaders expressed determination that Al Qaeda had to be dismantled, disrupted and defeated, for which both countries should work together,” the statement said.
Gilani said it is “imperative to make a distinction between the Taliban and Al Qaeda, which would help to overcome the threat”.
Gilani and Clinton also expressed satisfaction over the establishment of a Joint Task Force between the intelligence agencies of the two countries to facilitate information-sharing and coordination.
Clinton said the CIA chief will shortly visit Pakistan and “hold talks for cooperation in relevant fields”.
This was Clinton’s second telephonic conversation with Gilani since June 6 and she “appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate terrorism” and assured the country of complete US support, the statement said.
Clinton further said that US deputy secretary of state for management and resources Thomas Nides, who is in-charge of foreign economic assistance, will visit Pakistan during June 14-15 to hold detailed discussions on economic matters.