巴基斯坦的谢里夫和奥巴马讨论改善双边关系

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has asked U.S. President Barack Obama to end drone strikes on his country, strikes that are widely unpopular in Pakistan.

Following talks Wednesday at the White House, Mr. Sharif said he emphasized "the need for an end to such strikes."  Mr. Obama did not mention drones in his remarks to reporters.

But in a published report Thursday, The Washington Post says top officials in Pakistan's government have secretly endorsed the U.S. drone program.  The newspaper says top-secret CIA documents and Pakistani diplomatic memos it has obtained shows Islamabad received classified briefings on strikes and casualty counts.

Mr. Obama cited Pakistan's battle with terrorism, saying more than 40,000 Pakistanis have died in extremist attacks during the past decade.  He said he knows Mr. Sharif is very much committed to try to reduce terrorism in Pakistan and prevent it from being exported.

A joint statement from the two leaders said their partnership is "based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Mr. Obama also said he tried to reassure Mr. Sharif about the status of Afghanistan, where U.S. combat forces plan to withdraw next year.  He said he is "confident" of a solution "that is good for Afghanistan, but also helps to protect Pakistan over the long term."