RAWALPINDI: US Senate Arms Services Committee Chairman Senator John McCain, accompanied by a congressional delegation, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Joe Donnelly who are on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif here on Saturday.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and regional security, with particular reference to Afghan situation, came under discussion, according to a press release issued here by the Inter-Services Public Relations. The army chief dilated upon security challenges faced by Pakistan and its contribution in regional stability and global peace.
Pakistan’s successes in war on terror and need for an effective border management across long porous Pak-Afghan border to check illegal movement on either side of the border were also discussed. General Sharif said that a stable Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest and relationship between the two countries held key for regional peace and security.
While acknowledging Pakistan’s successes in the Zarb-e-Azb military operation, Senator McCain said that Pakistan Army’s achievements in counter-terrorism operations were phenomenal and reflected Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism. Pakistan and the US needed to cement relations in all dimensions and must strive for greater coordination for optimal deliverance of peace dividend in the region.
Earlier, US Special Representative on Pakistan and Afghanistan Ambassador Richard Olson also called on General Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters. Matters related to regional security with particular reference to Afghanistan came under discussion, according to the release.
