Pakistani PM Meets US Central Command Chief on Security Issues
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday expressed concern about the presence of Daesh (also known as ISIL or ISIS) in Afghanistan during a meeting with visiting US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Joseph L. Votel.
The CENTCOM commander is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. The prime minister said the presence of Daesh could threaten all its neighbors, according to the PM office.
The high level US military delegation is visiting Pakistan at a time when the Trump administration is in the process of finalizing strategy for Afghanistan and the region. The policy was scheduled to be unveiled on Friday, but was postponed, Xinhua news agency reported.
The prime minister underscored that Pakistan had an important stake in peace and stability in Afghanistan as Pakistan has suffered the most due to conflict in that country, a statement from the PM's office said.
General Votel, for his part, underscored the importance that the US attaches to Pakistan and Pakistan's importance for achieving the objective of peace and security in Afghanistan. He greatly appreciated the efforts being undertaken by Pakistan in fighting terrorism, the statement said.
The prime minister agreed with General Votel on the importance of working closely to address issues of regional concerns. He also underscored that the South Asian review undertaken by the US would take into account Pakistan's efforts in fighting terrorism and its commitment to peace and security in Afghanistan.
The CENTCOM chief and members of his delegation also met Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa late Friday and discussed matters of professional interest with special focus on security situation in Afghanistan, the military said in a statement.
The army chief highlighted the importance Pakistan accords to its relations with the US, particularly security cooperation and efforts towards regional stability, the army said.
"Pakistan has undertaken operations against terrorists of all hue and color," Bajwa said, reiterating his commitment to work in close coordination with Afghan security forces and US-led Resolute Support Mission for improved security environment in Pakistan-Afghanistan border region.
