US stands by democracy in Pakistan: Joe Biden

WASHINGTON: US Vice President Joe Biden has affirmed that America stands by a democratic Pakistan and it will continue to support its growth and prosperity, the White House said after his meeting with the Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Biden met Sharif yesterday at the UN on the sidelines of the annual session of the UN General Assembly.

The meeting between the two leaders lasted for more than an hour - first along with a delegation and thereafter one-on-one.

During the meeting the leaders affirmed the enormous common interests that the US and Pakistan share and the importance of continuing to combat terrorism together and expand trade and energy cooperation.

"The Vice President affirmed that America stands by a democratic Pakistan and will continue to support its growth and prosperity," the White House said.

Biden and Sharif welcomed the agreement reached among Afghan leaders on a unity government and affirmed support for a sovereign Afghanistan and a stable and peaceful region.

Sharif updated Biden on Pakistan's military operations in North Waziristan and affirmed their importance; the White House said adding that the leaders acknowledged that Pakistani civilians have suffered losses at the hands of violent extremists who exploit that area.