PR. No.203/2007

Date: 03/08/2007

TELEPHONE CALL TO PRESIDENT BY US PRESIDENT

At his initiative, President Bush spoke to President Musharraf over telephone this afternoon. President Bush stated that the primary purpose of his telephone call was to congratulate the President and the people of Pakistan on the 60th Independence Anniversary. He reaffirmed the US desire to build a strong, long-term strategic relationship with Pakistan as it served the interest of both the countries and the world. The United States wanted to see a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan . President Bush also praised the role that Pakistan and President Musharraf have been playing for peace and security in the region and appreciated the courage and sacrifices especially of the Pakistan armed forces in fighting terrorism.

With reference to the recent statements emanating from the US regarding possible US action inside Pakistani territory in pursuit of Al-Qaeda, President Bush stated that the United States fully respected Pakistan 's sovereignty and appreciated Pakistan 's resolve in fighting Al-Qaeda and other terrorist elements. He said that such statements were unsavoury and often prompted by political considerations in an environment of electioneering. He agreed that such statements did not serve the interests of either country.

President Musharraf also raised the issue of recent legislation adopted by the US Congress on the Implementation of 9/11 Commission's Recommendations and expressed concern over elements that reflected negatively on the Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation and relations. The US President explained the background of the Bill expressing the view that he did not foresee adverse impact of any of the Pakistan specific provisions on the existing cooperation which was in the mutual interest of the two countries. He mentioned that the US Congress had recently approved funds close to 150 million dollars for FATA development for this year, which was another indication of the strong commitment on the part of the United States to support Pakistan .

Islamabad

3 August, 2007