The United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday signed an important document – Tripartite Border Coordination Mechanism – to improve coordination along the border between their troops and strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation. The 36th Meeting of Tripartite Commission (TPC) was held at the Afghan Ministry of Defence, Kabul, an ISPR statement said.
The meeting was part of “Tripartite Coordination Mechanism” and attended by Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani, acting ISAF Commander Lieutenant General Nicholas Carter and Afghan COGS General Sher Muhammad Karimi along with their delegations. “Participants reviewed the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and adjoining Tribal Areas of Pakistan. The meeting was significant due to the fact that a document for ‘Tripartite Border Coordination Mechanism’ was also signed to improve near border coordination,” the statement added. Participants also discussed transition of responsibility from ISAF to ANSF per the ISAF drawdown plan 2014 and measures to gradually enhance Pakistan-Afghan bilateral border coordination arrangements until and beyond 2014.
The three sides agreed to continue cooperation for enduring success, peace and stability on both sides of the border. Before the TPC meeting, COAS Gen Ashfaq Kayani called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace. Matters of mutual interest were discussed between the two leaders.
