US President George W. Bush praised Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for his "clear vision" in fighting terrorism following talks Saturday between the two leaders at the White House.
In a brief appearance before reporters, Bush said Musharraf has been a determined leader against terrorism.
Musharraf said he hoped to bolster Pakistani-US commercial and trade ties, along with efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bush also said Pakistan can be part of a global effort to help create a democratic Palestinian state built on the rule of law.
Musharraf is in the US capital for a day of talks with Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell, in between a five-nation tour of South America and Europe.
Musharraf, the first ever Pakistani leader to visit Latin America, held talks with his counterparts in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico last week.
Musharraf's was a refuelling stop in Washington en route to Britain.
Besides terrorism, the fight against Islamic extremism, Indo-Pakistani relations and weapons sales are said to have figured in the Bush-Musharraf talks - the eight set of such talks held between the two leaders in what is seen as a sign of growing importance of Pakistan in the US foreign policy agenda.
During is talks with Powell, Musharraf is expected to say something about how successful Pakistani armed forces have been in hunting Al Qaida suspects and their Pakistani allies.
After his meeting with Powell, Musharraf is expected to have a luncheon meeting with former Pakistani prime minister Shujaat Hussain,
who is here for medical reasons.
On Saturday evening, Musharraf will meet with a group of investors and will be the guest of honour at a dinner to be hosted by Pakistan's ambassador to the US Jahangir Kramat.
Musharraf will end his visit to Washington with a press conference.
--Indo-Asian News Service