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President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the importance of enhanced consultations between Pakistan and the United States on the basis of mutual respect, sovereignty and shared interests.  He was talking to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who is leading a high level U.S. Delegation at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. During one-on-one and the delegation level meeting, they discussed issues relating to Pak-US relations, fight against militancy and regional situation with particular reference to the situation obtaining in Afghanistan. President Asif Ali Zardari said public criticism of Pakistan’s role undermines our common struggle against militancy in the region. He said our people and the leadership was among the first ones to fully realize and comprehend the threat posed by violent mindset which is bred on the premises of deprivation and fuelled by the sense of inequality. The President recounted innumerable sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against militancy. Discussing the situation in Afghanistan, the president reiterated that Pakistan supports all efforts for regional peace, prosperity and connectivity, based on ground realities of the region. Secretary Clinton said the US administration desired continued partnership with Pakistan. She agreed with the president’s strong emphasis on promoting trade rather than aid and assured that the U.S. Administration was working to facilitate enhanced market access for Pakistani products. Affirming U.S. Continued support for the democracy in Pakistan, she also applauded the unanimous resolution adopted by all parties conference recently.  Source: