Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: The top US commander in Afghanistan discussed border co-ordination with army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Thursday during his first visit since Pakistan ended its seven-month blockade of NATO supplies.

General John R. Allen, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force called on General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at GHQ Thursday, ISPR said in a statement.

"We are making significant progress toward building a partnership that is enduring, strategic, carefully defined, and that enhances the security and prosperity of the region,” the press release quoted Gen. John Allen as saying after his meeting with Kayani.

“This meeting was another in a series of opportunities for the Commanders to continue building upon the growing operational cooperation between the Afghanistan National Security Force, the Pakistan military and ISAF,” ISPR said.

“All three parties have many shared interests - including their respective commitments to expanding opportunities for coordinated action against terrorists on respective sides of the border who threaten Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region and supporting Afghanistan's security, stability, and efforts towards reconciliation.”

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during meeting said that Pak-US relationship should be based on mutual trust, respect and transparency.

He said current meeting has helped towards improving strategic and operational understanding between Pakistan Military and NATO Forces. -- SAMAA