U.S. offers continued support to Pakistan

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Washington will continue to support Pakistani efforts to take on al-Qaida and other groups active in the country, the U.S. secretary of state said in New York.

Hillary Clinton was in New York to address delegates from the American Pakistan Foundation at their inaugural gala benefit.

Clinton during a visit to Pakistan in October described the relationship between the two countries as one suffering from a "trust deficit," describing bilateral efforts as a "two-way street."

In her address to the APF, Clinton said a "key goal" of U.S. foreign policy is to build a stronger partnership with Pakistan.

U.S. military planners linked security in Pakistan to their war strategy for Afghanistan as many of the top al-Qaida and Taliban leaders are thought to be hiding in the volatile tribal regions in Pakistan.

Clinton stressed, however, that Pakistan was not seen as a U.S. proxy in its regional efforts to combat terrorism and prop up the Afghan government.

"We seek not to impose our preferences on Pakistan or to override the government's judgments or subvert the people's will," she said.

The secretary went on to pledge her commitment to help the Pakistani military fight Taliban and other terrorists in the region, describing Islamabad's role as "critical."

Washington earlier this year pledged billions in military and non-military aid to Pakistan as part of a push to reverse a declining security situation in the region.