- CENTCOM chief and COAS Munir held a meeting at GHQ.
- They reiterate their desire to enhance bilateral relations.
- General Kurilla lauds the Army’s successes against terrorism.
RAWALPINDI: US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Eric Kurila on Monday discussed the regional security situation with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
The development took place during a meeting of the top US military official with COAS Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
General Kurilla acknowledged and appreciated the successes of the Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism and Pakistan’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability in the region.
The media wing of the Army said that apart from the regional security situation, matters of mutual interest and defense cooperation were also discussed during the meeting.
“Both reiterated their desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all spheres,” the ISPR said.
The meeting took place after both the countries – Pakistan and the US – called upon war-torn Afghanistan to ensure that its soil is not used as a safe haven by terrorists.
The United States reiterated last week that the Afghan Taliban must ensure that their country is not used for terrorist attacks as Pakistan accuses the neighboring country of harboring the hardline Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“It is the responsibility of the Taliban to prevent this […] US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said during a press briefing, Afghanistan will be prevented from being used as a safe haven to launch terrorist attacks.
Top Pakistani military officials have said that the safe haven and freedom of action available to terrorists belonging to the banned TTP and other groups in Afghanistan is one of the major factors affecting the security of Islamabad.
Terror attacks in Pakistan have increased since the TTP ended its ceasefire agreement with Islamabad in November last year, with the armed forces also stepping up efforts against terrorists.
