Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan
Abbasi received US Secretary of Defence General James Mattis, this afternoon at
the Prime Minister House. On his maiden tour to Pakistan as Secretary of
Defence, General Mattis was accompanied by senior officials from Department of
Defence and the US Ambassador to Pakistan. The Prime Minister was assisted by
Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior as well as senior officials
from the respective ministries.
General Mattis stated that the
purpose of his visit was to find common grounds in order to create a positive,
consistent and long term relationship with Pakistan. He emphasized that in view
of his long association with Pakistan, he was keenly aware of the sacrifices rendered
and the lives lost in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and extremism; and his
personal respect and appreciation for the professional abilities of Pakistan’s
armed forces. General Mattis also underscored the importance of
continuing and deepening cooperation for the common objective of eliminating
terrorism from the region. Recalling the longstanding
relationship with the United States, the Prime Minister underlined the need for
a broad based engagement to strengthen partnership and enhance cooperation
between the two countries.
Articulating Pakistan’s
perspective, Prime Minister noted that no other country benefits more from
peace and stability in Afghanistan than Pakistan. He agreed with Secretary
Mattis that both Pakistan and the US have common stakes in securing peace and
security in Afghanistan for the long term stability of the broader region.
Prime Minister also appreciated the US resolve not to allow the use of Afghan
soil against Pakistan.
Sharing highlights of the
recent counter terrorism operations to improve the law and order situation,
Prime Minister noted that Pakistan, in its national interest, would continue to
conduct intelligence based operations all over the country to consolidate the
gains achieved in the last four years. The Prime Minister reiterated that
there are no safe heavens in Pakistan and the entire nation was committed to
its resolve on eradicating terrorism once and for all in all its forms and
manifestations.
*****
