Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif will meet US Secretary of State John Kerry as he concludes his visit to the US during which he has had a series of conversations with American officials on bilateral relations.
According to the US State Department, the meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening (early Monday morning Pakistan Standard Time).
During his visit, General Sharif discussed security cooperation and military-to-military relationship with Pentagon leaders including US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Martin Dempsey and Central Command leader General Lloyd Austin.
The visit has come at a time when Afghanistan transitions to a complete security control and US-led international forces withdraw after a 13-year long war against Al Qaeda in the region. Pak-Afghan relations have also improved after Ashraf Ghani assumed the post of president of Afghanistan.
In a speech at the Pakistani Embassy in US, General Sharif underlined Pakistan’s commitment to fight all terrorists – including the Haqqani network – without any discrimination during the ongoing military offensive Zarb e Azb in North Waziristan Agency. He also vowed not to let Islamic State (IS) militants take root in Pakistan.
The US State Department officials have described the army chief’s meetings as constructive and productive.
It is important for the U.S. and Pakistan to build on their improving relationship, and these meetings allow our officials to address any shared concerns and work together for the betterment of the region. Our nations have been working closely in regards to our common objectives in the region for over a decade. Our shared will and desire to succeed against those who threaten the safety of our lands has allowed us to overcome many obstacles and challenges along the way. We certainly hope to meet regularly and remain fully optimistic in regard to the future of our relationship. Dan Feldman, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, noted last week that the effort to rebuild a long-term relationship between the two militaries had begun several years ago. “The visit continues that process and helps strengthen the relationship.”
Ali Khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
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