- Gen Raheel says a stable Afghanistan is in interest of Pakistan
- U.S. delegation also calls on Sartaj Aziz; issues including Afghanistan, regional security discussed
RAWALPINDI, July 03: A four-member delegation of US senators headed by Senator John McCain Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and held discussion with him on multiple affairs including war on terror and Pak-Afghan border management, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
This is the third delegation from US visiting Pakistan in less than two months. The delegates exchanged views with the army chief on war on terror, Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management.
General Raheel Sharif, at the meeting, said that a stable Afghanistan is in interest of Pakistan. He, however, stressed the need for effective management along Pak-Afghan border in order to prevent illegal movement from both sides.
Lauding the achievements of Pakistan Army in operation Zarb-e-Azb, Senator John McCain said that Pakistan is determined for the elimination of terrorism. He said that cordial ties between the US and Pakistan were necessary for durable peace in the region.
Earlier, US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Olson also met the COAS and discussed regional security and situation in Afghanistan with him.
Sources said that the reconciliation process and recent developments in Afghanistan also came under discussion at the meeting.
A US delegation led by Senator John McCain called on Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on Sunday.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary were also present on the occasion. Pakistan and the United States have discussed host of issues including Afghanistan, F-16 and regional security situation.
Speaking after the talks, Senator John McCain lauded Pakistan’s role in reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He also called for joint efforts of the two countries to curb the menace of terrorism.
The head of the US delegation also expressed satisfaction over improved security situation in Miran Shah, North Waziristan. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said that Pakistan will continue to play its role for Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Welcoming the US Senators, the Adviser reiterated the importance of regular high level contacts and added that parliamentary exchanges were particularly useful to understand each other’s perspective on issues of mutual interest and concerns.
He also appreciated Senator McCain for his positive comments regarding the importance of Pakistan-US relations at a time when the region was facing complex challenges. In this context Senator McCain and his colleagues deeply appreciated the enormous success achieved by Pakistan in its counterterrorism campaign which they said was so impressively visible during their trip to North Waziristan.
The delegation commended the transparent process of FATA stabilization carried out by the Pakistan government. They wished that other members of the US Congress were also present with them to witness the outcome of the successful military operations in North Waziristan, themselves.
The Adviser recounted Pakistan’s earnest efforts, particularly during the past few months, to keep the Pakistan-US partnership on track as the relationship remained important for ensuring peace and stability in the region. The Adviser underscored the significance of the understanding of the leadership on both sides to make this partnership multidimensional and broader in canvas to cover all issues of mutual interest.
He highlighted the important accomplishments under the Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue and its six specialized Working Groups. With reference to recent developments concerning the India-US relations, the Adviser emphasized the need to maintain strategic balance in South Asia.
The US delegation reiterated the importance the US government and Congress attached to the stability and continued progress of Pakistan. In view of the growing challenges confronting the world, the Senators recognized the need for greater contact between Pakistan and the US and to work together to address the regional and global challenges. -Agencies/Online
