Chairman US Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen Meets Pakistan Military Leaders
‘Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen Wednesday discussed with Pakistan’s military leadership wide range of issues, including strategic relations between the two counties, war on terror, cross-border movements and peace deals with tribal militants,’ the Pakistani newspaper the Nation reports.
TheNation has reliably learnt that Admiral Mullen also met the Chief of Army Staff twice since his arrival, although there was no official confirmation.
According to the sources Admiral Michael Mullen held separate meetings with COAS General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and held in-depth discussions on improvement of defence ties between the US and Pakistan, including professional matters of Pakistan Army.
He also met Advisor on National Security to the Prime Minister, Mehmood Durrani and discussed security situation in the region.
Admiral Michael Mullen was told that Pakistan was democratic county and the incumbent democratic government was opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and the pledges made by Pakistan in war against terrorism will kept intact.
Pakistan’s military leadership also made it clear that the peace accords signed in tribal areas will help eradicate terrorism. …
“My visit with Pakistani leaders this week gave me the chance to further our discussions about issues of mutual concern and to explore ways we can better counter the terrorist threat we both face. I was grateful for the time that was afforded me and especially grateful for the opportunity to view a Frontier Corps Training facility. It gave me a much better feel for the strides the Frontier Corps are making along the border and their willingness to develop expertise in counter insurgency and irregular warfare. There is much work yet to do, of course, and the United States military stands ready to assist in any way the Pakistani government finds appropriate. Pakistan and the U.S. remain steadfast allies, and Pakistan’s military is fighting bravely against terrorism. I appreciate that commitment, and I’m confident that our strong military-to-military cooperation will continue,” said ADM Mike Mullen, according to the US Embassy statement.
We’ll see.
