Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC October 3, 2003
United States and Pakistan Affirm Cooperation in War Against Terror and the Fight to Stop Narcotic Drug Trafficking2003/1007
On October 2, the United States and Pakistan affirmed their bilateral cooperation in the war against terror and the fight to stop narcotic drug trafficking during Secretary of State Colin Powell's call on Prime Minister Mir Zaffarulah Khan Jamali during the Pakistani leader's visit October 1-3, 2003.
During their meeting, they underscored commitments made September 23, 2003 through a Letter of Agreement to undertake the following:
- Strengthen Pakistan's control over frontier areas bordering Afghanistan;
- Continue the construction of roads in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas;
- Support law enforcement reform; and
- Provide training and equipment to develop police capacity, including the creation of a border security coordination center.
Pakistan and the United States have formed an important partnership in addressing a variety of narcotics control and law enforcement issues. Over the past several years Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to fight terrorism and crime through its efforts to address money laundering, trafficking in persons, contraband smuggling, opium poppy cultivation, and other forms of criminal activity.
Since September 11, 2001, the United States has significantly expanded its assistance to Pakistan to strengthen its law enforcement capacity. This has included the construction of roads in frontier areas and border outposts, vehicles, communications equipment, police reform programs, and law enforcement training activities.
Released on October 3, 2003
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