Bush commends Pakistan's role in fighting terror

ISLAMABAD: US President George W. Bush called President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday and expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism in the context of the terror plot in Britain, the foreign ministry said.

"In the context of London terror plot, President Bush expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism and the support Pakistan has been extending internationally in this regard," the ministry said in a statement.

Bush said he was looking forward to meeting Musharraf in the United States next month, and to the opportunity to exchange views on international developments and on measures to further strengthen the strategic relationship between Pakistan and the US, the statement said.

Pakistan has said it arrested seven people, including British national Rashid Rauf, with suspected links to Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

The ministry here said these arrests led to the uncovering of a plot in London to blow up planes flying from the British capital to the United States.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair called Musharraf and Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz earlier this month to express gratitude for Pakistan's role in thwarting the alleged terrorist plot.