US National Security Advisor Susan Rice on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.During her meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here, Rice "underscored the importance of strong Pakistan-US relations", the prime minister house said in a statement, Dawn reported."Rice expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the efforts to root out terrorism and extremism and the success achieved so far," the statement added.She also expressed appreciation for the prime minister's vision of a peaceful neighbourhood.The US security advisor noted the positive direction of ongoing cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of defence, economy and energy sectors.She was accompanied by the senior director for South Asian Affairs at the US National Security Council Peter Lavoy and ambassador Richard Olson.
The meeting focused on matters of bilateral interest and the future of Pakistan-US relations. The situation in the region also came under discussion, the statement said.The prime minister said he was looking forward to his visit to the US in October this year as an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the two countries, the statement added.President Barrack Obama has invited Sharif for the official visit, for which dates are being finalised, according to the foreign ministry.The prime minister said the US was an important partner of Pakistan in all areas especially the economy, defence and counter-terrorism. He said Pakistan sees its relations with the US as a partnership which is in the interest of the two countries, the region and the world.