US defense Secy James Mattis calls on PM Abbasi
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ISLAMABAD: US Defense Secretary James Mattis called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Islamabad.
Defense Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal Adiver to PM on National Security Nasser Janjua and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General General Naveed Mukhtar and other official also attended the meeting.
US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale was also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, different aspects of Pak-US relations especially the regional security situation came under discussion.
Speaking on the ocassion, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that Pakistan emphatically stated that there are no terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and the entire nation is committed to its resolve of eradicating terrorism once and for all in all its forms and manifestations.
Recalling the longstanding relationship with the United States, the prime minister underlined the need for a broad-based engagement to strengthen partnership and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
He noted that no other country would benefit more from peace and stability in Afghanistan than Pakistan.
The prime minister also appreciated the US resolve not to allow the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan.
Gen Mattis emphasized that in view of his long association with Pakistan, he was keenly aware of the sacrifices rendered and the lives lost in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and extremism; and his personal respect and appreciation for the professional abilities of Pakistan’s armed forces.
General Mattis also underscored the importance of continuing and deepening cooperation for the common objective of eliminating terrorism from the region.