VIRGINIA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif held meeting with the United States’ defence secretary Ashton Carter at the Pentagon where they discussed defence relations and matters relating to regional security, spokesperson to Pakistan Armed Forces said on Tuesday night.
COAS General Raheel Sharif led delegation was welcomed by the US defence secretary during their visit to Pentagon, Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR) Lieutenant-General Asim Saleem Bajwa said in his latest Twitter message.
The top military head highlighted strategic importance of Pak-US ties with shared history. During the meeting, US defense secretary Ashton Carter appreciated contribution and sacrifices of Pakistan in fighting war against terrorism, as well as acknowledged effects of successful counter-terrorism operations which visibly opening opportunities for establishment of regional peace.
He clarified that US will play its part and fully support any effort of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism in any way. He added, We will continue to operate in a cooperative manner against this global menace.’
COAS highlighted Pakistan’s perspective of regional challenges. He reiterated that Pakistan has grabbed major achievements against terrorism through the National Action Plan (NAP) backed by national consensus and national approach. He added that Pakistan is resolved to eliminate terrorism and extremism from its soil for good.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif visited Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters and met Director John Brennan.
According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief held a meeting with CIA Director at Langley and discussed regional security challenges and way forward.
ISPR said that COAS specially highlighted need for permanent stability, and requirement of conducive environment in region for re-initiating Afghan reconciliation process.
Director CIA acknowledged accomplishments of operation Zarb-e-Azb, its positive impact on security calculus.
Before visiting CIA HQ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif had held meeting with US counterpart, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Mark A. Milley.
General Raheel Sharif and General Mark A. Milley exchanged views on anti-terrorism efforts, barricades in regional peace and matter relating to Indian attitude against Pakistan, a private news channel reported.
The meeting on Monday held during COAS’ visit to Pentagon during his ongoing five-day visit to US.
The top military head of Pakistani Armed Forces highlighted role of Pakistan against terrorism including ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb and efforts continued for establishment of regional peace. He also clarified stance of Pakistan to support stability and peace in neighbouring Afghanistan.
COAS reached the United States on a week-long official visit to the US and Brazil on last Monday. According to ISPR, the army chief will spend five days in the US and three days in Brazil. He will also spend a day with Pakistani peacekeeping troops at the United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast.
Issues regarding Coalition Support Funds and current Indo-Pak tension will also came under discussion. Gen Raheel Sharif will also highlight Pakistan’s achievements in ongoing war against terrorism in the country. Recent Paris attacks will also be discussed. Pakistan bears a great financial loss in Operation Zarb-e-Azb and many Jawans sacrificed their precious lives for the prosperity of the country.
