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Islamabad: United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged Pakistani leadership to mount a robust response to last week's Mumbai terror attacks in meetings held on Thursday.
Rice, who arrived on Thursday after her comprehensive India visit, met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
She told the Pakistani leadership that the global threat of extremism and terrorism has to be met by all states, a statement said.
President Asif Zardari vowed not only to assist in investigation, but also to take strong action against any Pakistani elements found involved in the attack.
"Pakistan is determined to ensure that its territory is not used for any act of terrorism," said a statement issued by the Pakistani government following the meeting. Zardari reportedly told Rice that his country was constantly in touch with the Indian government after the Mumbai attacks and and extended full cooperation in investigations.
"I found the Pakistani leadership very focused and committed to act," Rice told reporters after the talks.
"Everybody wants to prevent further attacks," she said.
"I hope that they will keep the lines of communication open," Rice added when asked how the Indian and Pakistani governments could work productively.
The high level diplomatic initiative was launched by the US is the wake of the Mumbai attacks which left nearly 175 dead and raised tensions between India and Pakistan.
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