A delegation of visiting US congressmen has met Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and discussed a host of issues, said an official statement. The delegation included Congressman Michael Capuano, Democrat-Massachusetts, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Democrat-New Jersey and Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Republican-New Jersey. Reiterating the government's resolve to fight terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, Gilani said a multi-pronged strategy is being evolved to confront the issue effectively. The Prime Minister said the government would pursue both long and short term initiatives including political, socio-economic as well as administrative measures to overcome the problem. Gilani said that Pakistan accords high priority to its strategic relationship with the US and is keen to further expand its relations in political, diplomatic, economic, defense and security sectors Pakistan, he added, is also eager to enhance cooperation in the fields of education, health, energy, science and technology. While appreciating Pakistan's efforts in curtailing extremism and terrorism, the members of the delegation said that the US relations with Pakistan and its people are very important and expressed US desire for developing a stable and multi-faceted relationship with Pakistan. The delegation congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming the office and assured complete support of the US congress to the new government. They expressed confidence that democracy would lead Pakistan towards progress and prosperity.
