国际英语新闻：U.S., Pakistan launch third strategic dialogue this year

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said on Wednesday that Gates apologized for the "unintentional" attack that killed three Pakistani soldiers and talked about the need to better coordinate operations along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The dialogue, co-chaired by U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, is expected to address a multi-year security assistance package for Pakistan.

Reports said the assistance package will involve the sale of U.S. military equipment to Pakistan, which has long been in Pakistan 's demand list. The United States hoped that the equipment can strengthen Pakistan's capacity to fight Taliban militants.

The U.S. Congress last year has already approved a five-year, 7.5-billion-dollar nonmilitary aid package.

In return, the United States is expected to continue to pressure Pakistan to step up its efforts to fight Taliban militants in its border.

Crowley said on Wednesday that the United States wants to see greater actions by Pakistan, "particularly focused on North Waziristan."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters on Tuesday that during the dialogue the United States will "detail for the Pakistanis what more must be done."