Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif arrived in Washington D.C. yesterday on a five days visit. General Sharif has already met with the CIA director John Brennan and he is scheduled to meet military and civilian leaders in the coming days. These bilateral meetings among the leaders of our countries are important to bring about sustained peace in the region. It also allows us to build on our improving relationship, and continue to address our shared concerns and objectives.
Yesterday morning, Secretary Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. met with Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif of Pakistan to discuss mutual security interests, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said. Topics included security cooperation between the United States and Pakistan, Pakistani counterterrorism operations in the country’s federally administered tribal areas, and regional security dynamics, he added.
“The secretary expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts and condolences for the heavy losses incurred by Pakistani security forces and civilians in this fight,” the press secretary said, adding that Carter underscored the importance of increased Pakistan-Afghanistan cooperation. Also yesterday morning, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work toured the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial with Sharif, and the chairman held a separate discussion with the general, Cook said. Later, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Central Command, will meet with Sharif, he said.
The General met with Secretary of State John Kerry today and is scheduled to meet with the National Security Advisor, Susan Rice later, reports VOA.
Abdul Quddus
DET - U.S. Central Command
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