ISLAMABAD: US Vice President Joe Biden delivered a bold message of support for key anti-terror ally Pakistan during a trip to Islamabad Wednesday, telling the country that America is not the enemy of Islam.
After talks with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani he described as extremely useful, Biden addressed anti-American sentiment in Pakistan.
There are even some sections in Pakistani society and elsewhere that suggest American disrespects Islam and its followers, Biden told a joint press conference at the prime ministers residence.
We are not the enemies of Islam and we embrace those who practise that great religion in all our country, he added.
Biden said that Taliban and al Qaeda elements in the northwest were a threat to Pakistan.
A close partnership between Pakistan and its people is in the vital self interest of the United States of American and, I would argue in the vital self interest of Pakistan as well, he told reporters.
The United States wants Pakistans military to do more to combat extremist and to launch a ground offensive in the border region of North Waziristan, where it says key Taliban leaders reside.
Biden delivered his message before leaving for a key meeting with army chief General Ashfaq Kayani.
My hope is God willing, if Im able to stand here next year with you that were able to point to greater progress and greater resolve and greater prosperity for your people and mine, Biden said, concluding his speech.
Earlier Biden referenced the assassination of Punjab governor Salman Taseer, who was shot dead by his bodyguard last week over his opposition to the strict blasphemy laws.
Societies that applaud such actions end up being consumed by those actions, said Biden, offering his condolences over the death.
Gilani gave a brief statement ahead of Bidens speech, applauding very fruitful discussions with the US vice president.
Earlier, Biden had met President Asif Ali Zardari at the President House in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Biden appreciated Pakistans role in the war against terrorism and said that the US wants to see a strong democratic government in the country.
He said that the US will help Pakistan boost its economy.
Zardari said that the entire international community should realize Pakistans efforts against militancy.
He added that terrorists will not be allowed to impose their agenda on the public.
US vice president arrives in Pakistan for talks
US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, as Washington seeks to pressure Islamabad to pursue militants while avoiding straining the relationship further.
Biden will hold detailed discussions with Pakistans top political and military leadership on a wide-range of issues including efforts to seek an end to the nine-year old war in Afghanistan.
The US vice president will meet President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani and the Army chief Gen Kayani according to a foreign office official.
Biden, who travelled to Pakistan after two days in Afghanistan, said on Tuesday in Kabul that more support was needed from Pakistan if Washington was to continue efforts to control insurgents as it begins to withdraw its forces.
The operation against the Haqqani Network, believed to be based in North Waziristan, will also come up for discussions.
Despite intense US pressure, Pakistan has made it clear that it will alone decide the timing of the military offensive. The US understands that we cannot open too many fronts at this stage, said a security official.
America is not the enemy of Islam: US Vice President Joe Biden