President Bush last night urged the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan to improve co-operation in fighting terrorism as he mediated talks aimed at easing tensions between the two US allies.
Mr Bush spoke as he stood between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who have sniped at each other in recent days over who is at fault for security lapses along the rugged border between their countries.
Mr Musharraf maintained a serious expression, while Mr Karzai smiled slightly during Mr Bush's statement in the White House Rose Garden. They did not shake hands.
Mr Musharraf and Mr Karzai have accused each other of not doing enough to combat extremists amid a Taliban resurgence that has spawned the worst violence in Afghanistan since US-led forces toppled the Islamist hard-liners five years ago.
Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding in the remote Afghan-Pakistan border area, but Mr Musharraf and Mr Karzai have each said he was in the other's country.
"As we work for a more hopeful world, we will continue to make sure that extremists, such as Osama bin Laden, that wants to hurt my friend here, as well as upset the democracy in Afghanistan, is brought to justice," Mr Bush said, referring to assassination attempts against Mr Musharraf.
Mr Bush called the two leaders "personal friends" and emphasised they faced common challenges and must work together. "They understand that the forces of moderation are being challenged by extremists and radicals," he said.
During dinner, the two leaders spoke directly to each other and individually to Mr Bush, a senior administration official said. He described the exchanges as cordial and frank.