PM, US Sec Defense discuss bilateral ties, regional security
ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of Defence James Mattis called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Islamabad on Monday and discussed different aspects of Pak-US relations especially the regional security situation.
Minister for Defense Khurram Dastgir, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua, DG ISI Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar and senior officials were present on the occasion.
General Mattis was accompanied by senior officials from Department of Defence and the US Ambassador to Pakistan. The Prime Minister was assisted by Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior as well as senior officials from the respective ministries.
General Mattis stated that the purpose of his visit was to find common grounds in order to create a positive, consistent and long term relationship with Pakistan. He emphasized that in view of his long association with Pakistan, he was keenly aware of the sacrifices rendered and the lives lost in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and extremism; and his personal respect and appreciation for the professional abilities of Pakistan’s armed forces. General Mattis also underscored the importance of continuing and deepening cooperation for the common objective of eliminating terrorism from the region.
Recalling the longstanding relationship with the United States, the Prime Minister underlined the need for a broad based engagement to strengthen partnership and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Articulating Pakistan’s perspective, Prime Minister noted that no other country benefits more from peace and stability in Afghanistan than Pakistan. He agreed with Secretary Mattis that both Pakistan and the US have common stakes in securing peace and security in Afghanistan for the long term stability of the broader region. Prime Minister also appreciated the US resolve not to allow the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan.
Sharing highlights of the recent counter terrorism operations to improve the law and order situation, Prime Minister noted that Pakistan, in its national interest, would continue to conduct intelligence based operations all over the country to consolidate the gains achieved in the last four years. The Prime Minister reiterated that there are no safe heavens in Pakistan and the entire nation was committed to its resolve on eradicating terrorism once and for all in all its forms and manifestations.
Mattis calls on COAS
According to ISPR, General James Mattis, US Secretary of Defence called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ in Rawalpindi on Monday. Meeting was focused on regional security with particular emphasis on Afghanistan as well as other matters of mutual interest. COAS acknowledged history of US engagements with Pakistan especially the ongoing efforts for continuing the positivity for peace in the region. He said that Pakistan has done much more than its due share despite capacity constraints but shall remain committed for peace as a responsible member of international community. He reiterated Pakistan’s support to peace and stability in the region and highlighted Pakistan’s concerns emanating from Indian use of Afghan soil, the necessity and right of Afghan refugees for a respectable & early repatriation and the existence of terrorist safe havens across the border in Afghanistan.
Gen Mattis expressed his respect for Pakistan Armed Forces and the effective operations undertaken against terrorists. He highlighted concern that a few elements continue to use Pakistan’s territory to further their terrorist agenda in Afghanistan. He assured that US is ready to play its role in addressing Pakistan’s legitimate concerns, saying that his aim is not to make demands but find common grounds to work together.
COAS appreciated the dignitary’s understanding of the underlying issues and said that Pakistan does not require anything from US but understanding. We have eliminated safe havens from Pakistan’s soil but are prepared to look into the possibility of miscreants exploiting Pakistan’s hospitality to the Afghan Refugees to the detriment of our Afghan brothers. Both agreed to work towards specific and sustained actions on each other’s concerns.