Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United States on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment o continue cooperation for promoting peace, security and stability in the region while the US acknowledged the role of Pakistan Armed Forces in Operation Zarb e Azb against terrorism and said Pakistan played a critical role in defeating Al-Qaeda .

According to a defense ministry spokesman, the 25th meeting of the United States Pakistan Defense Consultative Group (DCG) was held at the Ministry of Defence, Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Defense Secretary Lieutenant General (Retired) Zamir Ul Hassan Shah and the U.S. delegation was led by Ambassador David B. Shear, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

After the meeting, a joint statement issued and signed by both heads of delegations, the statement says that the delegates recognised the centrality of the U.S.- Pakistan bilateral security partnership to their overall bilateral relationship and acknowledged that continued cooperation remains vital to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.

The United States reiterated its support for the Armed Forces of Pakistan in their ongoing operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), including North Waziristan, and recognised the progress made in disrupting militant networks that have helped enhance security on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. They also recognised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in securing areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Pakistan re-affirmed its commitment to take action against all terrorists and violent extremists without discrimination. The United States acknowledged the progress made by Pakistan’s Armed Forces in operation Zarb-e-Azb. Pakistan side also expressed its support and desire for stability in Afghanistan, which remains a priority for Pakistan as well.

The United States appreciated significant contributions made by Armed Forces of Pakistan in promoting maritime security in the North Arabian Sea and Horn of Africa through its consistent participation in the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces, and recognized the Pakistan Navy for assuming command of Combined Task Force-150 operations.

Continuing support for bilateral and regional exercises, security assistance, operational reimbursements and stability activities also came under discussion during the meeting. The U.S. delegation noted Pakistan’s positive efforts to counter threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

To bolster this cooperation, both sides agreed to continue working together to build counter-IED capacity. The delegation reaffirmed that the DCG remains an invaluable forum to discuss strategic defense policy issues and exchange views on shared security concerns. They committed to work towards deepening their strong and longstanding defense relations.