President Musharraf's Meeting with President Bush

President Pervez Musharraf and President George W. Bush met in New York on 13 September. Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries.

The President expressed condolences over the deaths and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. President Bush thanked Pakistan for support to the Katrina victims.

The two Presidents noted with satisfaction that the Pakistan-U.S. relationship was expanding and deepening. President Bush assured President Musharraf that the US attaches importance to developing a strong and long-term partnership with Pakistan. President Musharraf thanked President Bush for US support for Pakistan’s economic and social development and said that Pakistan would work with the US to further broaden and deepen the bilateral relationship to the mutual benefit of the two countries.

President Bush agreed that promotion of greater US-Pakistan economic and commercial cooperation was important to the overall bilateral relationship. President Musharraf underlined the importance of increasing access for Pakistani products in the US market and the need to move forward on a Free Trade Agreement.

President Musharraf briefed President Bush on the Pakistan-India peace process including the Kashmir dispute. President Bush expressed US support for the composite dialogue and for resolution of outstanding issues including Kashmir.

President Musharraf urged President Bush to use his influence to further the Middle East peace process.

President Bush expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in countering terrorism and taking measures to curb extremism. President Bush lauded Pakistan’s support to Afghanistan’s efforts for stability and reconstruction of the country.

New York

13 September 2005