During his two-day visit to Pakistan, Biden tried on Wednesday to dispel what he called common anti-American misperceptions in Pakistan while urging the government to fight growing religious extremism.

Biden's comments at a news conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani come as the United States seeks to put further pressure on Pakistan to take on militants who have taken refuge in Pakistani border sanctuaries from where they attack Western forces in Afghanistan.

Biden during the press conference said the United States respects Pakistan's sovereignty.

He said that extremists and militants inside Pakistan, and not the United States is violating sovereignty of Pakistan.

The US vice president said his discussion with Gilani had been "extremely useful" before he turned to address anti-American sentiment, fanned by the ongoing war in Afghanistan and a covert US drone campaign. "There are... some sections in Pakistani society and elsewhere that suggest America disrespects Islam and its followers," Biden told reporters at the prime minister's residence.

"We are not the enemies of Islam and we embrace those who practice that great religion in all our country," he added.

Commenting on the assassination of Punjab Gov. Salman Taseer last week at the hands of his own bodyguard for supporting changes in a controversial blasphemy law, Biden said the US was "saddened by cold-blooded murder of a decent, brave man."

"The governor was killed simply because he was a voice of tolerance and understanding," he said. "As you know all too well ... societies that tolerate such actions end up being consumed by those actions."

Earlier, Biden called Amna Taseer, the widow of the slain governor, to express his condolences on behalf of the president and the American people.

"A close partnership between Pakistan and its people is in the vital self-interest of the United States of America and, I would argue... in the vital self-interest of Pakistan as well," Biden said.

"My hope is, God willing, if I'm able to stand here next year with you, that we're able to point to greater progress and greater resolve and greater prosperity for your people and mine," Biden said, concluding his speech.

Biden also held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at the President House in Islamabad on Wednesday. During the meeting, Biden appreciated Pakistan's role in the war against terrorism and said that the US wants to see a strong democratic government in the country.

Zardari said that the entire international community should realize Pakistan's efforts against militancy.

He said that the US will help Pakistan boost its economy. Biden also expressed American support for Pakistan in the form of the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Law, which provides $7.5 billion in civilian aid over five years. Biden was an early sponsor of the bill when he was a senator.

Biden later met Pakistan's military chief Gen. Ashfaq Kayani.

"A close partnership with Pakistan and its people is in the vital self-interest of the United States of America," he said. "And ... in the vital self-interest of Pakistan as well."

Pakistan is one of the largest non-NATO recipients of US military aid -- it is expected to receive about $3 billion this year - but ties are constantly on edge because of conflicting interests in the region.

Pakistan most pressing worry is the tentative 2011 timeline for the beginning of a US troop drawdown in Afghanistan. It wants assurances that its interests in Kabul will be protected - and Indian influence checked - while at the same time the US won't leave chaos for Pakistan to clean up, as happened in the early 1990s after the Soviet pull-out.

— With input from agencies