US congratulates Gen Bajwa on being named COAS

US working 'quite closely' with Pakistan on counterterrorism, State Dept says

The United States on Thursday congratulated General Qamar Javed Bajwa on being appointed Pakistan's army chief.

On being asked whether there would be any changes under Gen Bajwa's leadership, State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner said, "He was just appointed at the end of November, so let’s give this gentleman a chance to get up to speed."

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"We congratulate him on the appointment and welcome his – the transition to a new chief of army staff," Toner said while addressing a media briefing in Washington.

Referring to the country's stance on counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan, Toner said the United States was working "quite closely" with Pakistan.

"They’re aware of some of our concerns, which include a safe haven for some terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said, adding that Pakistan had also paid the price of terrorism.



"It’s in their interests, obviously, to crack down on any terrorist group that may be finding safe haven within its borders."

On being asked to address concerns about people like the Ohio State University attacker Abdul Razak Ali Artan being trained in Pakistan, Toner said it was something that was still being probed.