Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said here on Saturday that Pakistan and the Untied States would continue enjoying cordial relationship despite terrorism incidents.

Addressing a joint press conference with visiting U.S. President George W. Bush, Musharraf expressed gratitude on Bush's visit to Pakistan. He also condoled the death of a U.S. diplomat in the Karachi bombing on Thursday.

Referring to the talks between the two presidents, Musharraf said that they discussed the long term and strategic relations including defense, education, trade and war on terrorism. 

Speaking at the joint press conference held in "Aiwan-e-Sadr" presidential palace in Islamabad after their one-hour talks, Bush said that both sides affirmed that they shared commitment to the broad and lasting strategic partnership that demands close cooperation in the war on terrorism.

"President Musharraf made a bold decision for his people for peace after September 11 and Pakistan chose to fight terror," Bushsaid, adding that he and the American people appreciate Pakistan's cooperation. Pakistan cooperated in fight against terrorism, and killed and arrested hundreds of terrorists. "During this fight, brave Pakistani citizens sacrificed their lives."

The bombing in Karachi showed that the war on terror had to go on, Bush said, adding "America mourned the death of all those killed in the attack and they had sent condolences to the families of those Pakistanis who lost their lives."

He noted that the United States and Pakistan would fight the war on terror together and win it.
 
(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2006)