Washington: US President George W Bush held informal talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri during which he "acknowledged" Islamabad's support in the fight against international terrorism.

Bush dropped by when Kasuri was holding talks with US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice at the White House on January 30.

"The President acknowledged the contribution of Pakistan to war against terrorism," Kasuri told reporters after the meeting.

Kasuri said he also told Bush that Pakistan expected a violent domestic backlash if US attacked Iraq without UN approval.

Kasuri, who is in Washington to press American authorities to go "soft" on Pakistani nationals regarding their registration under Immigration and Naturalisation Services, also held talks with Vice President Dick Cheney covering bilateral and regional issues, including Indo-Pak relations.

"The two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral relations. Cheney reaffirmed US political and economic commitment to Pakistan. He said that the Bush administration is engaged in a long-term and enduring relationship with Pakistan," deputy chief of Pakistan Embassy in Washington, Mohammed Sadiq, said.

Both sides also exchanged views on the security situation in South Asia with a particular reference to Kashmir.

Kasuri also called for US involvement in bringing about a structured dialogue between India and Pakistan, Sadiq said.

PTI