ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said relations between Pakistan and United States must not be transactional, and stressed for a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests.

He was talking to Marc Grossman, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan who called on him at the Presidency.

Briefing media about the meeting, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that matters relating to Pak-US bilateral relations, regional security situation, emerging situation in Afghanistan and the fight against militancy were discussed during the meeting.

The president said Pakistan supports all efforts for regional peace, prosperity and connectivity, based on existing realities of the region.

He stressed on following the clearly defined, well-documented and mutually agreed terms of engagement between the two countries, which he said was necessary to avoid operational irritants that hamper the relationship.

He said no country had made greater contributions and sacrifices in fighting terrorism than Pakistan.

The President said Pakistan was committed to pursue fight against militants till its logical conclusion. He said the enemies of peace would continue to sabotage peace process but “we should not let the non-state actors hold hostage the governments in the region.”

The President also emphasized on socio-economic development and imparting education to the youth of the militancy-hit areas to permanently change the militant mindset and sought international community's support and cooperation in this regard.

Pakistan supports Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process, he said.

The President said Prof. Rabbani was a friend of Pakistan and an honest and serious interlocutor. He termed his assassination as an attempt to sabotage the peace and reconciliation process.

He however, expressed surprise over the reaction in the wake of Prof. Rabbani's assassination.

The President said, “Despite negative propaganda against Pakistan, we are committed to the regional peace and have decided to attend the forthcoming trilateral summit of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey in Istanbul next month aimed at peace and stability in the region.”

Grossman appreciated Pakistan's struggle against militancy. He also assured US governments continued support for peace and stability in the region.

US Ambassador in Islamabad Cameron P. Munter, Rear Admiral Philip Davidson, senior military advisor to ambassador Grossman and other senior officials of the US embassy were present during the meeting.

Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Defence, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Federal Minister for Finance, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Rehman Malik, Federal Minister for Interior, Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Salman Bashir, Foreign Secretary and spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar also attended the meeting.