WASHINGTON (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s Army Chief General Raheel Sharif met with United States Defence Secretary Ashton Carter at Pentagon here on Tuesday, where the latter underlined the ‘strategic importance’ of bilateral relations of the two countries with ‘shared history’.
According to DG Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Asim Bajwa, US-Pakistan defence ties and matters relating to regional security were discussed during the meeting, Geo News reported.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is currently on a five-day official visit to the US. He also visited the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley earlier and met with Director CIA John Brennan.
The two discussed regional security challenges and the future line of action, according to the director general of the Pakistan Army’s media wing.
The US defence secretary, in today’s meeting, emphasised that his country values Pakistan and looks at its relations with the South Asian country independent of all other countries. He also appreciated Pakistan’s contribution and sacrifices in fighting the war on terror.
Carter also acknowledged effects of successful counter-terrorism operations, which he pointed out were opening opportunities for regional peace.
“US will play its part and fully support any effort of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism in any way,” the US defence secretary was quoted as saying by the DG ISPR.
“We will continue to operate in a coordinated manner against this global menace.”
Army Chief Gen Raheel on the occasion highlighted Pakistan’s perspective of regional challenges.
He reiterated that backed by national consensus and with the support of the whole nation, Pakistan was resolved to eliminate terrorism and extremism from its soil for good.
