US, NATO Discuss Afghan-Pakistan Security

US President, Barack Obama and NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen Tuesday discussed the fight against terrorism and the current situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan at the White House

"The two leaders discussed progress in implementing our shared strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan and ways to further strengthen the international community's efforts," said a statement by the White House.

During the meeting, Mr Rasmussen was appreciated by President Obama for the significant NATO commitment to promote peace and stability around the world, particularly in Afghanistan.

Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary said NATO has a significant share of troops in forces on the ground in Afghanistan, a share that commanders at the time at ISAF believed would play a crucial role in our overall strategy.

"Obviously the problems that we face with -- in Afghanistan and in Pakistan dealing with al-Qaeda and its extremist allies, their potential return, an environment that allows, if they were to return, unfettered planning for an additional terrorist attack -- that's not something that's simply in the interest of the United States in preventing. It's of international concern," said Mr Gibbs.