Barack Obama to meet Nawaz Sharif on October 23 at White house

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama will host Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the White House on October 23 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual concern, including countering violent extremism, the White House announced today.

"The visit will highlight the importance and resilience of the US -Pakistan relationship and provide an opportunity for us to strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual concern, such as energy, trade and economic development, regional stability, and countering violent extremism," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

Obama looks forward to discussions with Sharif on ways the two countries can advance their shared interest of a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan, Carney said.

The announcement came hours before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit here for a meeting with President Obama at the White House tomorrow.