WASHINGTON, Sept 8: The US Defence department has said that Washington and Pakistan will continue to promote quality interactions in defence and security despite differences in other areas.
Addressing an event to commemorate the Defence and Martyrs’ Day at the Pakistani embassy here, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver said that he had high hopes for continuation of a respectful bilateral relation beneficial to both the nations. Recalling Pakistan’s prompt support in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, the Assistant Secretary said the US recognises Islamabad’s valuable contribution in the war on terror. Asserting that Islamabad was a friend, a supporter and a key partner and would continue to be a partner, he said that the US value this relationship and the partnership. “We were important partners in a number of key areas, including our efforts to degrade Al Qaeda, the efforts to defeat [Daesh], the efforts made to the United Nations in peacekeeping, these are all areas where we cooperated and are achieving results and success,” a report in Pakistan daily The News International quoted Mr Schriver as saying. Recent visits of US State Secretary Mike Pompeo and US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph Dunford to Islamabad had paved the way for resetting this relationship, he said. Though that there had been ”some bumps” on this long relationship that started the day Pakistan was founded, he said,”The military-to-military relationship is one that has remained in a place where some of the other relationships haven’t.” The relations between the two nations worsened as Pakistan disagreed with US President Donald Trump’s South Asia policy for Afghan stability. (UNI)
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