Bush and Pakistan's Gilani pledge to fight terror

By Tabassum Zakaria

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) - President George W. Bush and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday pledged to fight terrorism with strong relations between the two nations in the aftermath of elections that seated new leaders in Islamabad.

Bush met Gilani for the first time at this Red Sea resort in a series of bilateral meetings he is holding at the end of a trip to the Middle East focused on advancing the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Bush said they spoke about a "common desire to protect ourselves and others from those who would do harm" and he thanked Gilani for his steadfast support.

The United States considers Pakistan a key ally in fighting terrorism as U.S. forces hunt for al Qaeda leaders and Taliban militants along the rugged Pakistani-Afghanistan border.

Suspicions that a U.S. drone fired missiles on a house in the Pakistani village of Damadola along the Afghan border angered residents of that area, and was condemned by Gilani last week.

MISSILE STRIKE

Eighteen people including foreign militants were killed when two missiles hit a house in the Bajaur tribal region, where Islamist militants are believed to operate.

Asked whether the missile strike had been discussed, Gilani said "yes," while Bush did not comment.