US diplomats meet COAS Raheel Sharif amid strained ties

RAWALPINDI - Chairman of US Senate Armed Services committee Senator John McCain led a congressional delegation to Pakistan which called on General Raheel Sharif at Rawalpindi on Saturday to discuss matters of mutual interest and regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan. The delegation also included Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Joe Donnelly.

The Army chief spoke on the security challenges faced by Pakistan and explained the country’s contribution in regional stability and global peace.

“Pakistan’s successes in war on terror, and its need for an effective border management across long porous Pak-Afghan border to check illegal movement on either side of the border was also discussed,” the Army's media wing, the ISPR said.

The COAS said that a stable Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest, adding that the relationship between both countries was the key to regional peace and security.

While acknowledging Pakistan’s successes in Zarb e Azb, Senator McCain said the Army’s achievements in counter-terrorism operations were phenomenal and reflected Pakistan’s determination to quash terrorism.

He said Pakistan and US needed to cement relations in all dimensions and strive for greater coordination to achieve peace in the region.