Text: Bush, Musharraf News Conference

U.S. President George W. Bush and Pakistan's leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, left, answer questions on the war on terrorism, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 22, 2006. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite - AP)

I was impressed then; I'm impressed now by your commitment to an education system that prepares students for the _ and gives students the skills necessary to compete in a global economy.

We talked about democracy. The last time I was with the president, he assured me, and assured the people that were listening to the news conference, that there would be free and fair elections in Pakistan in 2007.

He renewed that commitment, because he understands that the best way to defeat radicalism and extremism is to give people a chance to participate in the political process of a nation.

We talked about India and the president's relations with India. I was pleased to see that in Havana, President Singh and President Musharraf had another discussion.

I think it's very important that the issue of Kashmir move forward and be resolved peacefully. And I appreciate your efforts, Mr. President.

We talked, of course, about Afghanistan, and how President Musharraf and President Karzai and I will have dinner right here in the White House next week.

And it's going to be an important discussion. It's going to be an important discussion because one of the most important avenues for peace is for Afghanistan to succeed.

And it's in our mutual interests that we work together to help that country that's been devastated by war succeed.

And so I look forward to our trilateral discussion, Mr. President. It's going to be a good one, and it's going to be an interesting one. And it's an important discussion.

All in all, we've had yet another good meeting between people who are able to speak frankly with each other and people who share the common desire for our people to live in security and peace.

Welcome.

MUSHARRAF: Thank you very much.