Pak-US military alliance ‘crucial to counter terror’

US military commander says Islamabad is one of Washington’s key partners in the region

ISLAMABAD: A senior US military commander on Wednesday underlined the close relationship with the Pakistani military, saying such cooperation was crucial to advancing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

The statement came from Lieutenant General Michael Garrett, Commanding General of United States Army Central Command, at the conclusion of a three-day visit to Pakistan, a statement issued by the US Embassy said.

General Garret, who was leading a six-member delegation to Pakistan, met Pakistan Army’s chief of staff, the director general of military training, and the director general of military operations at the Army General Headquarters.



The US general also met the director general of joint staff and the director general of joint warfare and training to discuss operations, training and other areas of military cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

The US delegation also visited the National Counter-Terrorism Training Centre in Pabbi, near Peshawar. The centre’s director briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s efforts to train soldiers to fight terrorist groups.

“It was my distinct honour to visit Pakistan,” said General Garrett. “This visit is significant in continuing to build the relationship between our two militaries and countries, one of our key partnerships in the region.”

The official statement said the US Army Central Command engages with Pakistan’s military leadership and organisations primarily through military-to-military information exchanges, regional symposia, and multilateral and bilateral exercises.

“These events allow both countries to build relationships necessary to advance counterterrorism efforts in the region,” the statement added.