Official: Pakistan-US Trust Key To Counter Terror

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani and U.S. officials are emphasizing mutual trust in the fight against al-Qaida but Pakistan’s foreign minister says Islamabad remains opposed to American airstrikes on its soil.

U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen are visiting Pakistan and Mullen says he’s committed to improving the nations’ relationship.

The visit comes on the heels of President Barack Obama’s announcement of plans to send more troops to Afghanistan and boost aid to Pakistan.

Pakistan faces rising terrorist attacks on its soil by militants upset over its cooperation with the United States.

Many Pakistanis also are irritated with U.S. missile strikes and the government has officially and repeatedly insisted they inflame anti-American sentiment.

U.S. officials have complained that Pakistan’s spy agency still has ties to some militant groups.