Pakistan's military chief set to hold talks with Nato officials

Brussels: Nato says that Pakistan's military chief General Ashfaz Parvez Kayani is in Brussels where he will hold talks with top alliance officials.

Nato gave no details of the agenda. However, Tuesday's meeting comes as the US presses for closer coordination of both military and civilian efforts on both sides of the Pakistani-Afghan border.

Kayani last visited Nato in November, when he urged the alliance's military commanders to focus on winning the population's backing in those areas to prevent Taliban and Al Qaida militants from using them as safe havens.

Pakistan's army currently is engaged in a major offensive in the Swat valley and surrounding districts. The action followed American pressure to root out militant hide-outs along the porous border region.