Strong, stable Pakistan in United States’ self-interest: Biden
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): US Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday rejected the impression that the United States would impose any war on Pakistan as part of its counter-terrorism actions against al-Qaeda. The US Vice President, in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani after their one-on-one meeting at the Prime Minister House, categorically said the United States would work in partnership with Pakistan in taking action against terrorist groups.
Biden also negated other misconceptions amongst the Pakistani public about the United States that it would abandon Pakistan after culmination of its war on terror.
“The only productive way forward is a long-term and enduring partnership. Our nations must move forward from transactional relationship to sustained partnership,” he said.
The US Vice President called the Pak-US relationship “absolutely vital” what he experienced during his 30-year long interaction with Pakistani leadership in his capacity as member of Foreign Relations Committee.
Prime Minister Gilani in his opening statement termed his meeting with the US Vice President as “very fruitful” that focused on counter-terrorism, regional security and peace.
He said Pakistan looked forward to a “robust relationship” with Pakistan in terms of economic and security areas.
He mentioned that the discussions on Afghanistan’s security and stability were “extremely useful”.
US Vice President Joe Biden said the United States wanted a strong, stable and democratic Pakistan.
“We wish you success because it’s in our own interest,” he said.
He appreciated the contribution of Pakistan government and its military that had all the capacity to defend the country’s sovereignty.    
Biden said due to United States’ interest to forge deeper relations with Pakistan, it had set up a large educational system for Pakistanis and demonstrated this by actions during last seven years by initiating numerous projects.
He said the United States was working in partnership with Pakistan government and had increased security cooperation between the two countries.
He mentioned that during last summer’s devastating floods in Pakistan, the US made extensive support for relief and rehabilitation.
“This is what the partners do for partners,” he added.
Biden said his country’s aspirations for Pakistan was to see it a developed and a prosperous country.
“I want the grandchildren of Pakistan and United States not to find in future the articles on terrorism. I want the Pakistani scientists to accomplish Nobel peace prizes,” he said.
About misconception regarding United States’ disrespect for Islam, the US Vice President said the situation was in fact quite the opposite as the Muslim Americans freely practiced their religion in the United States.
He said Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States and mentioned President Barack Obama’s statement in a Muslim-populated area that “Islam is part of America”.
“I would challenge to name any other country in the world who provides greater freedom of worship. We are not the enemies of Islam and we embrace those who practice this great religion,” he said.
He pointed the assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and said he was killed because of raising voice for tolerance.
He said there was no justification for such “senseless act,” adding that societies needed tolerance to grow.
Biden offered condolences over Taseer’s killing on behalf of President Obama.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Malik Ammad Khan and Senator Sughra Imam were present.