US to continue military, security assistance to Pakistan

Washington: The US plans to continue providing military and security assistance to Pakistan and strengthen its cooperation in regional maritime security, the White House said on Wednesday. The announcement was made following a meeting between US President Barack Obama and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the White House. [caption id=“attachment_1191583” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  US President Barack Obama and Pak PM Nawaz Sharif at the White House. AP[/caption] During the meeting, Obama and Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum achieved in defence relations and reaffirmed that this partnership should continue to grow and endure. According to a joint statement, the two leaders noted with satisfaction that the Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) are facilitating the movement of US and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cargo through Pakistan. Sharif appreciated the US security assistance in support of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, counter-narcotics and maritime security operations, and expressed hope of broadening bilateral defence cooperation in areas that serve mutual interest. “To bolster these efforts, the United States plans to continue providing assistance and support, including training and equipment to Pakistan’s military and security services. The two leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation, including in regional maritime security,” the statement said. Through its security assistance programmes, the US provides critical equipment to Pakistani military troops conducting counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the border region and to enhance Pakistan’s participation in international maritime security operations. As a result, Pakistan has significantly increased the effectiveness of its operations against militant groups, the White House said. Obama noted Pakistan’s positive efforts to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the leaders resolved to continue to work together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices. Obama also commended the resolve of the government and people of Pakistan, armed forces and law enforcement agencies to defeat terrorists and praised the country for its military campaign. They shared their mutual conviction that a stable and peaceful Pakistan-Afghanistan border was important for the success of counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and counter-IED efforts. The leaders underscored the critical significance of effective border coordination mechanisms between Pakistan and Afghanistan in achieving these objectives, the statement said. PTI