Military cooperation: General Kayani meets top NATO commander

Both the leaders discussed discussed the current regional security situation.

ISLAMABAD:

The new commander of the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) forces stationed in Afghanistan and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani discussed the current regional security situation during a meeting here on Thursday.

General Joseph F Dunford Jr was accompanied by the outgoing commander of the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) General John Allen in the meeting held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

According to a US Embassy statement, the visit by top American generals was part of a regular series of engagements aimed at “bolstering the military-to-military relationship between Isaf and Pakistan as well as improving security in the region.”

The two sides, it added, discussed a variety of issues relating to their mutually shared goals of peace and stability in the region and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

While acknowledging that there was more to do, both leaders were pleased with the progress achieved thus far.

This ongoing strategic dialogue between the two four-star generals, supported by frequent discussions at lower levels, has enhanced the effectiveness of operations on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the statement said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2013.