United States Congressional delegation calls on Secretary Defence

Islamabad, May 01, 2013 (PPI-OT): A 5-member US Congressional delegation (CODEL) led by Senator Joe Donnelly called on Secretary Defence, Lt. Gen Retd Asif Yasin Malik, in Ministry of Defence, Rawalpindi today.H.E. Richard Olson Ambassador of USA to Pakistan also attended meeting.

CODEL meeting discussed important issues relating bilateral ties between Pakistan and USA. USA commended Pakistan’s efforts, role and support in the war against terror. Senator Joe Donnelly also paid rich tribute to the spirit of sacrifice of the Armed Forces on the Youm-e-Shuhada.

The meeting between the Senator and the Secretary primarily focused on Regional Security matters. It was urged by both side to improve security environment and over-come security challenges faced along side Pak-Afghan border. Senator Donnelly stressed that there is a rapid improvement in relations post Salala incident and the relationship is on an improved trajectory. The improvement in the relations between the two countries can be seen by some visible increase in cooperation and restoration of ground lines.

Secretary Defence, Lt. Gen Retd Asif Yasin Malik, stressed the importance of smooth transition in Afghanistan, adding that there should be a synergy of joint efforts to support reconciliation, capacity building and necessary assistant towards successful transition of power, leading up to a drawdown of international forces and the time thereafter. The Secretary thanked the delegation for visiting Pakistan. The meeting ended on a high note.

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