The United States has welcomed the fact that both India and Pakistan have been taking steps in a number of areas, including in preventing the movement of terrorists across the borders.

White House spokesman Tony Snow was asked to comment on the difference in the perceptions of the envoys of the two countries in Washington with respect to terrorism.

"There are legitimate points to be made on both sides," Snow remarked.

"The most important thing is that India and Pakistani forces, especially in border areas, work together on a whole host of the issues that they talked about before, including economic development in the tribal areas, as well as trying to shut off the borders and prevent the movement of terrorists across those borders," Snow added.

Snow refused to comment on the 50th birthday of the Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, including on his whereabouts.