Isaf Commander meets Gen Kayani

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen Asfhaq Parvez Kayani met with Isaf’s Commander Afghanistan General Joseph F Dunford on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). The two military commanders met as part of the continuing tri-partite commission efforts to strengthen military-to-military cooperation and regional stability. The military leaders discussed a variety of issues related to strengthening cooperation and pressuring militants who threaten security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This was General Dunford’s first visit to Pakistan in his official capacity as Isaf Commander. “The Pakistani, the Afghans and the international community all desire peace and security in the region. These meetings are important to achieving that goal as we continue to explore ways to expand our relationship”. General Dunford said. General Kayani reiterated Pakistan’s stance and desire for peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan and the need for a successful Afghan-owned-Afghan-led peace process. He emphasised the need to continue supporting all efforts to bring peace in Pak-Afghan border region. He urged Isaf to help Pakistan check cross border attacks launched from inside Afghanistan. General Dunford had previously met with General Kayani in the days preceding his assumption of command in February. Moreover, Commander of Turkish Armed Forces, General Necdet Ozel, who is heading a high powered delegation, on Monday called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Khalid Shameem Wynne. He remained with Chairman for some time and discussed matters related to bilateral interests between the two countries with an emphasis upon Geo-Strategic situation of the region, said an ISPR press release. Earlier on his arrival, he was presented the Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out contingent of tri-services. Later, on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in recognition for his services in bringing two armed forces closer and improving the relations between Turkey and Pakistan, he was conferred the award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) at an impressive and simple ceremony held at Joint Staff Headquarters. General Necdet Ozel, conveyed his thanks to the people, armed forces and government of Pakistan for the recognition of his contribution in furthering the bilateral ties and defence cooperation between the two countries. A number of senior officers from tri-services were also present on the occasion.