S. Korean president pledges support for Pakistan's anti-terrorism drive

By Byun Duk-kun
NEW YORK, Sept. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said his
government will continue to support Pakistan's war against terrorism as well as
its rehabilitation efforts as he addressed an international conference Thursday
aimed at curbing the spread of insurgency in the Middle East.
"President Lee Myung-bak praised the Pakistani government's successful efforts to
contain the spread of an extremist movement in the region and restore stability,"
Lee's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.
He said Seoul will work with Pakistan to help develop the country's human
resources and public-sector competitiveness, and to establish economic and social
infrastructure.
Thursday's meeting, known as the conference of Friends of Democratic Pakistan,
reflected a shift in the focus and scope of the war against terrorism in Iraq and
Afghanistan to include Pakistan's active involvement.
Seoul is participating in the U.S.-led anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan by
providing mostly non-military assistance.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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