KABUL – A two-day security conference in Kabul concluded on Wednesday whenarmy chiefs from five countries promised cooperation on battling terrorismand narcotics.

The meeting was attended by army chiefs from Afghanistan, Pakistan,Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and US forces commander Gen. John Nicholson and USCentral Command head Gen. Joseph Votel.

Maj. Gen. Dawlat Waziri, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), toldthe meeting was organised by the US Central Command and chaired byNicholson.

He said all participants promised cooperation with each other on fightingagainst terrorism and narcotics. He did not provide details but said theUSCC would release a statement.

Meanwhile, the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) said: “The Central AsianStates Chiefs of Defence (CASA CHOD) conference was held Feb. 12-13 inKabul. This conference is held biannually and hosted by different partnernations.”

Chiefs of defence gathered to discuss regional issues related to security,a statement from RSM said. The event afforded leaders the opportunity toidentify opportunities to protect and promote common interests.

The participants specifically conferred on issues pertaining to securing, alasting peace for Afghanistan and stability for the region, the missionadded.

On the other hand, Pakistan army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, who attendedthe meeting, said stability in the region was linked to the situation inAfghanistan.

He added countries could reach their goals by working collectively. Bajwaclaimed they had eliminated terrorist safe havens inside his country.