Pakistan and the United States have forged a 'strong and enduring defence relationship' and this has given coalition forces the intelligence information they need to help 'root out terrorists and their allies', according to a US Defense Department statement.

To support the work of Pakistan's military forces, the United States has pledged $1.5 billion of foreign military financing to Pakistan from 2005 to 2009. It has designated Pakistan as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ally and announced its 'intention to move forward with the possible sale of F-16 fighter aircraft', the statement said on Sunday.

"These commitments are a clear signal that the United States is determined to stand by Pakistan in the long run," the statement added.

• A US rethink on Pakistan?

The defence relationship between the United States and Pakistan is a critical element of the war on terror and a key component of security and stability in South Asia.

'Since 2001, the United States and Pakistan have worked to build a strong and enduring defence relationship, which supports our common interests in fighting the War on Terror, building a stable and democratic Afghanistan, and maintaining peace and stability in the region', the statement reads.

The US-Pakistan Defence Consultative Group, a forum to oversee and develop the US-Pakistan partnership, is scheduled to meet in May 2006.

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