Prime Minister’s visit to the Pentagon
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited the Pentagon today evening at the invitation of US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaz Aziz, Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Defence Minister, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.
On arrival, the Prime Minister was received by the Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and Honor Cordon was in place to welcome the Prime Minister to the Pentagon. National Anthems of Pakistan and the United States were played.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that bilateral defence cooperation had continued to grow over the past two years. In particular, he noted successful cooperation in areas such as smooth movement of US retrograde cargo through GLOCs, facilitation through Air Lines of Communication, maritime security and Counter IEDs cooperation. The Prime Minister also appreciated the role of Pakistan-United States security cooperation in bolstering Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capacity.
In his remarks, Defence Secretary Ashton Carter expressed appreciation of the progress achieved by Pakistan in degrading terrorist networks. Recognizing the tremendous sacrifices made by Pakistan’s military, law enforcement personnel and civilians, Defence Secretary Carter noted that Pakistan has been at forefront of fighting terrorism. He lauded the government’s efforts to achieve a national political consensus on fighting terrorism.
During the meeting both sides also discussed matters related to regional peace and security including Pakistan’s outreach to Afghanistan and facilitation extended through efforts for reconciliation.
US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter was joined by the National Security Advisor Ambassador Susan Rice, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joe Dunford, Deputy Secretary of State Mr. Tony Blinken and US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson. Senior officials of the US Department of Defence were also present.
October 22, 2015
Washington D.C
