Obama: U.S., Pakistan share common goals

SEOUL, March 27 (UPI) -- Despite recent strains in U.S.-Pakistan relations, both countries are interested in stability and security in the region, President Obama said Tuesday.

"Obviously the United States and Pakistan have a host of mutual interests," Obama said during a joint media availability with Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani during the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.

Besides a shared interest in combating terrorism, economic development and national security, "we're both interested in a stable and secure Afghanistan and a stable and secure region," Obama said.

"There have been times -- I think we should be candid -- over the last several months where [U.S.-Pakistani] relations have had periods of strains but I welcome the fact that the parliament of Pakistan is reviewing, after some extensive study, the nature of this relationship," Obama said. "I think it's important to get it right. I think it's important for us to have candid dialogue, to work through these issues."

Obama said he expects the parliamentary review in Pakistan and discussions in the United States would result in the two countries achieving "the kind of balanced approach that respects Pakistan's sovereignty but also respects our concerns with respect to our national security and our needs to battle terrorists who have targeted us in the past."

Gilani said he appreciated Obama's comments about respecting Pakistan's sovereignty.

It is in the interests of both the United States and Pakistan to see an Afghan-led reconciliation process, Obama said, adding he appreciated Gilani's work on that matter.

Given the experiences both countries have had with terrorism within their borders, Obama said it was critical not to allow terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons.

Gilani said Pakistan was "committed to fighting against extremism."

"We want stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

"We want to work together" with the United States to achieve peace and prosperity in the region, the prime minister said.

Obama returned to Washington late Tuesday.