ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Alice G Wells, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, called on Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest, regional security and cooperation between both the countries, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Tuesday.
“Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary US commended the sacrifices and resilience of the people and armed forces of Pakistan and appreciated the role Pakistan Army has played in battling the scourge of terrorism,” the military’s media wing added.
Both reaffirmed, the ISPR added, the commitment towards the common goal of peace and stability in the region and discussed measures towards that end. Both also agreed on continued engagement at multiple levels.
On Monday, Undersecretary General United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations Jean Pierre Lacroix called on Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ and acknowledged and appreciated army’s sincere efforts and sacrifices in UN peacekeeping operations.
The army chief affirmed that Pakistan will continue to play its positive role being one of the highest troop contributing nation for maintaining international peace and security under the UN flag.
Agencies add: Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar received US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Alice G. Wells for a meeting here on Tuesday.
They discussed the current state of Pak-US relations with particular focus on economic cooperation. The overall security situation in the region also came under discussion.
Finance Minister said that such bilateral visits enhance understanding of each other’s point of view on important issues. She also apprised Ms Wells about the current state of economy and said it was poised to move forward on the path of growth despite difficulties.
Ms Alice Wells said that Pak -US relationship is important and the US would like to carry it forward.
The Minister on the occasion also briefed Alice Wells about Pakistan’s participation in the recently concluded FATF meeting at Paris, France. She said Pakistan has reiterated its strong commitment to take every possible step to root out the menace of terror financing and money laundering. Ms Wells appreciated Pakistan’s stance on FATF issues.
Meanwhile, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad July 1-3.
In Islamabad, Ambassador Wells met with Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar; Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua; Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa; and Chief of General Staff Lt General Bilal Akbar. She also met with business leaders and ambassadors from other embassies in Islamabad.
Consistent with the U.S. South Asia strategy, Ambassador Wells’ visit focused on the role that Pakistan can play in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan.
Ambassador Wells discussed Pakistan’s stated commitment to eliminating all terrorist groups present within its borders, as well as our shared interest in building economic and commercial ties that benefit both nations.