US, Pakistan to enhance defence cooperation

Rawalpindi: Pakistan and the US vowed to enhance existing defence cooperation on Monday.

They reached an understanding during a meeting attended by General Joseph L. Votel, Commander US Central Command and Lt. General Mohammad Alam Khattak (Retd), Secretary Defence. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and enhancing defence cooperation.

Pakistan highly values its relationship with the US, which spans more than six decades and has seen progress in various areas including trade, economy, investment, energy, defence and people-to-people contact. At the meeting, further enhancement and diversification of defence relations were discussed, including a need to transcend the present confines of counter terrorism and move to the realm of conventional defence.

Khattak expressed concern about the F16s-sale-to-Pakistan issue, saying the aircraft are essential in the fight against terrorism. He added Operation Zarb e Azab and National Action Plan are testaments of Pakistan’s commitment in its fight against terrorism and extremism.

Khattak also asked about the status of a reimbursement mechanism, in lieu of Coalition Support Fund (CSF), after 2016.

L. Votel acknowledged the role played by Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism. He added that continued support from US in training, equipment and necessary funding will act as tools to fight terrorist outfits.

L. Votel is a four-star General in the United States Army who has recently assumed the command of United States Central Command. Before that, he served as commander of United States Special Operations Command.