Ties between the "war on terror" allies were also tested when US special forces deployed in Afghanistan launched a raid into Pakistan on September 3 that killed several Pakistanis.

The visit by US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher was for "routine talks planned in advance" US embassy spokesman Lou Fintor told AFP.

"He is going to meet a variety of Pakistani officials and representatives of civil society," he said, without giving further details.

Boucher on Saturday met interior ministry chief Rehman Malik for discussions Pakistan officials afterwards described as "very cordial and friendly."

The United States has stepped up attacks on militants in Pakistan since a new civilian government came to power in Islamabad in March.

The US says insurgents striking at international troops in Afghanistan use the Pakistani tribal regions as a base for their operations.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has vowed zero tolerance against violations of his country's sovereignty amid the missile attacks, which have stoked anti-US sentiment in Pakistan.

Pakistan is facing major economic problems as well as rising attacks by Al-Qaeda-linked Taliban militants, and has been seeking support from allies to stabilise the country.

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