U.S. President Barack Obama says he hopes Pakistan's parliament will take a “balanced approach” in its review of ties with the United States.

Mr. Obama spoke to reporters in Seoul moments before private talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday.

The president said he would like the see the lawmakers respect U.S. national security interests in their review, including its need to battle terrorists who have targeted Americans.

Relations between the United States and Pakistan have been troubled since U.S. airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border in November, after U.S. forces returned fire they believed came from a border post.

Many Pakistani lawmakers are demanding a U.S. apology and an end to U.S. drone attacks inside Pakistan.

Pakistan has also said last year's U.S. Navy Seal operation to kill Osama bin Laden violated its sovereignty.

U.S. officials believe a healthy relationship with Pakistan is essential to the anti-Taliban effort in neighboring Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Gilani says both he and President Obama want a stable and secure Afghanistan.