Prior to making a formal announcement on the US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Barack Obama telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday night and shared his plans with his Pakistani counterpart. A statement issued by the Presidency said the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and the latest situation in the region and agreed to take appropriate steps to repair the ties between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefits. Obama appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against militancy. Zardari said the fight against extremism was Pakistan’s own and it had to fight it to the end in its own national interest.
