General Lloyd Austin, the incoming commander of the United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) termed Pakistan a vital partner for regional security.
He expressed these views during a courtesy call on Defence Secretary Lt Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik in Rawalpindi on Friday.
The CENTCOM commander said both Pakistan and the US were important to each others national interests. He said Pakistan had always been a useful partner and relations between the two countries were progressing on an upward trajectory.
Malik reiterated that being a pivotal partner to the international community, Pakistan had sacrificed greatly in the war against terrorism. He asserted that Pakistan wanted peace in the region and was ready to play its role for achieving the goal of lasting stability. He said the armed forces and the people of Pakistan had courageously fought and withstood the menace of terrorism over the last decade.
The visiting US general acknowledged the role played by the Pakistani armed forces and the sacrifices made in this regard. He said despite highly difficult terrain in the border regions and well dug-in enemy, the successes made by the Pakistani armed forces were highly commendable. Austin said consultative forums like “DCG have helped us cement our military-to-military relations aimed at improving peace and stability in the region”.
He added that continued support in training, education and Coalition Support Fund would act as tools necessary to keep relations on solid footing.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson was also present.
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Opening statement …
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Devil in the (future) details …
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A temporary waft of cool air to dry the sweat. Once the majority of American forces leave Afghanistan and a residual force remains to keep an eye on the region, the US-Pak mischief will restart all over again and our corrupt politicians will fall on their knees. Salams
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