Islamabad: Border management mechanism along Pakistan-Afghanistan border were discussed at a meeting between a high-level US delegation and Pakistani army chief on Thursday, according to an official statement.
Ambassador Richard Olson, US Special Representative in Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) and General John Nicholson, Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan met with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif along with their delegation, at the General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi near here.
“Regional security issues and matters of mutual interest including border management mechanism along Pakistan-Afghanistan border were discussed,” said the statement issued by the military’s public relations wing.
The statement said the visiting dignitaries “appreciated the resolve and continuing efforts (of Pakistan) towards fighting terrorism and regional stability.”
Separately, PM’s adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said the US is supporting Pakistan’s border management with Afghanistan.
During a briefing to senators in Islamabad, Aziz said that border management is in the interest of both the countries.
The adviser said at the same time “we are ensuring facilities for border crossings with valid travel documents.”
The briefing was held against a backdrop of recent skirmishes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces on the main Torkham border crossing in the northwest over construction of a gate by Pakistan on its side.
A top official of the defence ministry told senators that work on the construction of the gate to manage cross-border movement had been completed.
