Hillary Clinton says Pakistan not alone in terror war

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday that Pakistani is not alone in the fight against terrorism and the U.S. would extend help to the country to achieve goals to defeat terrorism.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gestures as she addresses media representatives during a press conference at the Foreign Minister's office in Islamabad, Oct. 28, 2009. Hillary Clinton kicked off a visit to Pakistan, fending off criticism of US policies from within a key ally in the war on Islamists and promising new investments.(Xinhua/Li Jingchen)

"Pakistan is not alone in this fight as this is our struggle as well," visiting Hillary Clinton said at a press conference along with her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi after their bilateral talks.

Hillary Clinton arrived here on a three-day visit, her first to Pakistan since she assumed the office as the U.S. Secretary of State.

"Pakistan and the United States are facing the security issue and Pakistan is currently engaged in the struggle to fight terrorists," she said.

She commended Pakistan military for their courageous fight and said the U.S. stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistani people in their fight for peace and security.

The U.S. Secretary of State said the relationship between the two countries goes far beyond security and in Wednesday's talks both sides agreed to work closely as Pakistan continues its journey towards an effective, responsive and enduring democracy.

"The United States wants to provide help to Pakistan which its people think best for the country," she added.

Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. seeks to turn the page to a new partnership not only with the Pakistani government but also with the people of democratic Pakistan.

She said during the talks both sides agreed to resume and intensify U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue.

"The United States wants to help Pakistan in economic arena, wants to help create jobs, develop infrastructure, create investment opportunities and more access to education and healthcare," she said.