UK's Cameron, Zardari try to put relations back on track

Prime Minister David Cameron will pledge Britain's support for Pakistan during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, a spokesman said on Thursday, as the two countries try to repair a diplomatic row. Cameron invited Zardari, who is on a five-day visit to Britain, to dinner on Thursday at his Chequers official country residence -- the first foreign leader to be accorded the honor since Cameron took power in May, according to aides. Formal talks on Friday will focus on strengthening cooperation in countering terrorism, a spokesman for Cameron said. "It is an important opportunity to reinforce the strong links between the UK and Pakistan and continue to support stability, security, democracy and prosperity in Pakistan," the spokesman said. Cameron angered Pakistan when he said on a visit to India last week that Pakistan must not "look both ways" in its approach to Islamic militants. His remarks came days after U.S. military reports published on the WikiLeaks website detailed concerns Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) agency had aided Taliban militants fighting in Afghanistan. Pakistan's spy chief canceled a trip to Britain in protest at Cameron's remarks.