WASHINGTON: The incoming US Defence Secretary General (R) James Mattis has spoken at length about the Pakistan – US turbulent ties.
Our relationship with Pakistan, including our military-to-military relationship, has had highs and lows.
We have long faced a lack of trust within the Pakistani military and government about our goals in the region,” retired Marine Corps General James Mattis said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Forces Committee on Thursday.
“If confirmed, I will work to build the trust that we need for an effective partnership,” he said when asked what changes he would recommend for US ties with Pakistan.
Asked if he supports conditioning US aid to Pakistan on the latter’s cooperation in areas of mutual interest, Mattis pointed out that “conditioning our security assistance has a mixed history in the case of Pakistan.”
“For years, Pakistan has battled internally-focused extremist organisations within its borders and with our help.
In a sign of its commitment, its military has suffered significant casualties in this counterinsurgency effort,” he acknowledged.