President Asif Ali Zardari and President George W Bush discussed strengthening bilateral relations here Tuesday; with the U.S. President acknowledging Pakistan's sovereignty and pledging continued support for the country in economic and security fields. Bush welcomed the newly-elected Pakistani leader at Waldorf Asotria Hotel as they met on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly session. At the outset, he expressed a profound sense of grief over loss of heavy loss of life in the weekend bombing on the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad. He said Pakistan was an important ally and reaffirmed the United States commitment to assist Pakistan's economic development while also citing Washington's bipartisan support in this respect. President Zardari thanked Bush for U.S support for the restoration of democracy. Zardari was confident that Pakistan would be able to overcome problems confronting it.