ISLAMABAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called upon Wednesday the visiting United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for mediation between Pakistan and India over Kashmir and water disputes.

    Talking to Hillary Clinton, the prime minister also sought U.S. help to enhance Pakistan's defense capability to maintain balance of powers in the region, the prime minister office said.

    While apprising the U.S. Secretary of State on the progress of law enforcement operation in Waziristan tribal area, the prime minister underlined the fact that the civilians and defense establishment as well as all the political forces of the country were fully united behind it which was reflective of the nation's firm resolve to root out the evil forces from Pakistan's territory.

    He called upon the U.S. to expedite replenishment of the urgently needed military hardware to strengthen the hands of Pakistan's armed forces in the ongoing operation.

    The prime minister termed the drone attacks being launched by the U.S. in tribal region and consequent collateral damage as a source of major concern for Pakistan and urged the U.S. administration to provide the drone technology to Pakistan.

    The prime minister welcomed the U.S. offer to reinvigorate Pakistan-U.S. strategic dialogue and stressed the need of strategic stability in South Asia for maintenance of peace. He firmly asserted that Pakistan will never compromise on its legitimate security interests and will continue to maintain the minimum credible deterrence for its defense.

    Hillary Clinton commended the prime minister for his stance of reconciliation and the desire for improving relations with India through resolution of all the outstanding issues by resuming the composite dialogue. She said that while she was aware that it is a difficult process, the U.S. government would support the efforts for early resumption of the composite dialogue between India and Pakistan.

    She congratulated the prime minister on taking very difficult decisions to fight the terrorism. She acknowledged that Pakistan had proven its resolve in the fight against militancy and the U.S. would support Pakistan in every possible way to succeed.

    The Secretary of State said that she had come to listen and understand the concerns and problems that the government of Pakistan was facing in these challenging times. She assured the prime minister of her government's sincerity in developing a long term strategic partnership with Pakistan by overcoming the differences and through mutual consultations.

    Referring to the current political situation and forthcoming run of presidential elections in Afghanistan, Hillary Clinton said that both U.S. and Pakistan had stakes in the stability of that country.

    She hoped that the Transit Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan would be signed by the end of this year to strengthen the trade and economic links between the two countries. She said the U.S. would welcome Pakistan's input in its strategic review of its Afghan policy.

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