Isaf Commander departs Pakistan after productive meetings: ISPR

General John R. Allen,

Commander of International Security Assistance Force Thursday visited GHQ in Rawalpindi and called on General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff. This meeting was another in a series of opportunities for the Commanders to continue building upon growing operational cooperation between the Afghanistan National Security Force, Pakistan military and Isaf, ISPR press release 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. They also share a responsibility for protecting the brave Afghan and Pakistani soldiers working in the border region. The future security and stability of the region rests in large part on the strength of partnership these discussions are forging. The talks also recognized the importance of future opportunities for key ANSF, Pakistani military and Isaf senior leaders to meet, explore means to expand the partnership, and continue this vital work. 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, press release said. General John R. Allen during the meeting said "I look forward to these visits and am pleased with the upward spiral in our relationship they represent. 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."