Washington  - The United States on Monday hailed Pakistan's outgoing President Pervez Musharraf as a strong ally in the war on terrorism and urged the country's new government to continue on a path towards stable democracy.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Musharraf a "friend to the United States and one of the world's most committed partners in the war against terrorism."

Musharraf resigned earlier Monday to avoid facing impeachment by Pakistan's parliament, which has been controlled by an opposition coalition since elections were held earlier this year.

Rice expressed "deep gratitude" to Musharraf, who has supported US efforts to root out al-Qaeda and Taliban strongholds along the Afghan-Pakistani border.

Rice called on Pakistan's new leadership to "redouble their focus on Pakistan's future," halt the growth of extremist elements in its society and work to build up democratic institutions. (dpa)