WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States said Tuesday that it will continue to work with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and whoever wins Pakistan's parliamentary election.

    "We are going to continue our work with President Musharraf and whatever that new government may be on goals of our national interests," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

    The United States has "a deep national interest" in fighting violent extremists, breaking up those terrorist cells that may either operate from or from time to time operate from Pakistani territory, McCormack said.

    "So we have a real interest in maintaining that relationship of cooperation, fighting terrorism with Pakistan, and remain committed to the Pakistani people in helping them realize a different, more democratic, more prosperous future," the spokesman added.

    Initial results showed that the Pakistan People's Party has won the largest number of National Assembly seats, but not secured a majority.

    Pakistan, under the leadership of President Musharraf, has been a close ally of the United States on the war against terrorism.