Obama, Zardari agree on strong relationship

Coinciding with the visit of US Special Representative Richard Holbrooke to Pakistan, President Barack Obama and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari have agreed to maintain a strong relationship in a 'productive' telephone call.

Coinciding with the visit of US Special Representative Richard Holbrooke to Pakistan, President Barack Obama and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari have agreed to maintain a strong relationship in a "productive" telephone call.

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"President Obama expressed his support for Pakistan's democracy and his commitment to a strong partnership with Pakistan," the White House said, adding Obama had a productive conversation with his Pakistani counterpart.

"In line with Ambassador Holbrooke's mission, both leaders agreed to work together to advance peace and prosperity in Pakistan and the region," it said in a statement yesterday.

"The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship to address issues of common interest, such as counter-terrorism and economic development," the statement said.

This was the first telephonic conversation between the two leaders after Obama became the US President on January 20.

Earlier, the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement that Obama and Zardari had "agreed to start an active engagement for the resolution of problems facing our region through a holistic strategy".