ISLAMABAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the visit to Pakistan of United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and said her visit at a difficult time is a clear reflection of the deepening relationship between the two countries.

    "It is a relationship based on respect for democracy and sovereignty and is marked by our joint commitment to fight the forces of extremism ad militancy and a long term political and strategic partnership based on mutual interest, common values and shared goals," Zardari said in meeting with Hillary Clinton.

    The president said that the government of Pakistan Peoples Party has a clear vision and strategy. "We are determined to root out militancy from our soil and purge our country of militants. We are pursuing policies of public-private partnership to promote investment," a statement quoted President Zardari as saying.

    Matters related to bilateral relations, strategic partnership, fight against militancy, mutual cooperation and assistance to Pakistan were discussed during the meeting, it said.

    Zardari said the democracies of the world can help speed up the process of healing and development by helping democracy in Pakistan and rendering assistance in critical areas of social and economic development.

    "We are undertaking all possible efforts to meet the energy challenge head on. Social integration through reforms and poverty alleviation is the top most priority of the Government," he added.

    The president said that Pakistan needed assistance stabilizing its economy through investment promotion, overcoming the energy crisis, facilitation in getting market access, capacity building of civilian institutions and securing the needed investment in education and social sector as measures for long term fight against the militancy.

    He also urged for the speedy delivery of equipment to fight insurgency.

    Issues relating to peace in the region were also discussed in the meeting.

    The President said that dialogue was the only way forward as the absence of dialogue created doubts and tensions.

    Hillary Clinton said that U.S. is looking for long-term sustained and multidimensional partnership with the democratic government and people of Pakistan.

    The United States is committed to support the people of Pakistan at this critical hour and would extend all possible help to promote stability, strengthening of democratic institutions, would help the people of Pakistan through investment in education and social sector, she said.

    Hillary Clinton arrived in Pakistan Wednesday morning on an official three-day visit.