Washington rendezvous: Gen Raheel meets US security adviser

Arm chief apprises Rice on situation in region, including violation of ceasefire by India on LoC and Working Boundary

ISLAMABAD:

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, who is in Washington for his first official visit to the United States, met US National Security Adviser Ambassador Susan Rice at the White House, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said on Thursday.

General Raheel and Rice held in-depth discussions on the ongoing security issues involving Pakistan and the United States and expressed satisfaction on the overall positive trajectory in the bilateral relationship. Pakistan’s ambassador to US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, was also present during the meeting.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual desire and commitment to strengthen their existing relationship. General Sharif thanked Ambassador Rice for understanding Pakistan's perspective on regional security and counter terrorism efforts, said the statement.

The military chief also apprised Rice on the situation prevailing in the region, including the violation of the ceasefire and shelling by India on the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.

According to the statement issued by military’s media wing, both the dignitaries acknowledged the importance of reinforcing stability in Afghanistan. In this regard, Rice appreciated the high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan following the transfer of power in Afghanistan.

They also recognised the continued need for close coordination and cooperation for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, it concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2014.