WASHINGTON – Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense hasacknowledged Pakistan’s support in fighting terrorism and said that theUnited States was fully aware of its contribution in the war on terror andvalued its friendship.
He made these remarks while speaking as the Chief Guest at a function tocelebrate Pakistan Defense and Martyrs Day at the Pakistan Embassy late onThursday. The Day was celebrated with traditional fervor and solemnity topay tributes to all those who rendered sacrifices in defending the countryover the past seven decades and during the war on terror.
Mr. Schriver, who is the top official for Asian and Pacific SecurityAffairs paid rich tribute to all those who offered the ultimate sacrifice,and particularly appreciated Pakistan for extending full cooperation to theUS to start operation against the terrorists.
The Assistant Secretary recalled Pakistan’s prompt and critical support inthe immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy and said that Islamabad was afriend, a supporter and a key partner and would continue to be a partner.He said that the US was fully cognizant of Pakistan’s valuable contributionin the war on terror and emphasized that the US did not take thosesacrifices lightly. He further stated that the US “value this relationshipand we value the partnership.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.Dunford this week visited Pakistan, the first top US officials to visit thecountry after the new government headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan tookover after winning the 2018 general election.The two officials spoke about “re-setting” bilateral ties which have beenstrained after US cut all security aid to Pakistan.
Assistant Secretary Schriver remarked that both the countries may havedifferences in few areas but would continue to promote quality interactions– particularly at the realm of defence and security. Every interactionbrought hope and would help in promoting shared interests, he added.
Ambassador Ali J. Siddiqui welcomed distinguished guests and highlightedheavy loss of precious lives in a war on terror that Pakistan has sufferedas in the global war on terrorism. He said that Pakistan had emergedvictorious against all the odds.
Read Top Stories
The Ambassador underscored the role of Pakistan’s Army being among thelargest contributor to the United Nations peace keeping missions in variousconflict ridden areas around the globe. He said that Pakistan’s Army hadalways been the first to respond and last to leave in natural disaster andthe whole nation was proud of the armed forces.
On the Pak-US relations, the Ambassador said that strong and robustmilitary cooperation between Pakistan and the US has always been pivotal tostrengthening relations between the two countries. Regular interactions andhigh level exchanges would ultimately serve the interest of both thecountries, the Ambassador emphasized.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Attache Brig. Kamal Anwar Chaudhry saidthat DefenceDay marked commemoration of the resolve and commitment of the Pakistanination and the armed forces who withstood and surmounted all the externaland internal challenges in defending the homeland.
Recalling the horrific terrorist attack on Army Public School, Peshawar in2014, hehighlighted the high cost paid by the whole nation in blood and treasurewhile standing behind the armed forces in guarding the sovereignty andterritorial integrity of Pakistan.A short documentary was also played on the occasion to highlight theprofessionalismand quality of preparedness of armed forces of Pakistan.
