Obama Concedes Strains Between US, Pakistan

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Barack Obama is conceding that ties between the U.S. and Pakistan are strained, but says it is important to get their relationship right.

Obama is speaking alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani before the two men hold a private meeting.

Their meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan following a series of incidents that have marred trust. The relationship breaking point in November when U.S. forces returned fire they believed came from a Pakistani border post, killing 24 Pakistani troops.

Pakistan has been debating new terms of engagement with the U.S. Obama says he welcomes the Pakistani review and says the key is finding a "balanced approach" that respects Pakistani sovereignty and the right of the U.S. to protect its security interests.