Pakistani PM wants to rebuild ties with US

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated his desire to rebuild an anti-terror alliance with the United States, but said he would let parliament decide.

"We know the importance of the United States and we want to work with the United States, but on a (basis of) mutual respect and mutual interests," said Gilani.

"I am certain the parliament will bring about new rules of engagement with the United States as well as with NATO."

Gilani made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Daily just days after meeting with US President Barack Obama last week in Seoul, the highest-level contact between the two sides since the US killing of Osama bin Laden in a cross-border raid.

Gilani said such unilateral action has naturally caused resentment from Pakistani people.

"Our concerns of sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected," he said.

The relationship worsened when aircraft from NATO's Afghanistan force attacked two Pakistan border posts and killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in November.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani speaks to a China Daily reporter on Sunday in Boao, Hainan province. Gilani said he would like to improve relations with the US and rebuild an anti-terror alliance. Huang Yiming / China Daily