In name with COAS Bajwa, US defence chief reiterates dedication to ‘sustaining robust’ ties with Pakistan

The Pentagon chief renewed the dedication in a telephone name with Chief of Military Workers Common Qamar Javed Bajwa on March 21.

“Secretary Austin bolstered the USA’ dedication to sustaining a robust bilateral protection relationship with Pakistan and expressed gratitude for Islamabad’s continued assist for the Afghan peace course of,” mentioned a press assertion issued by the Division of Protection.

Within the telephone name, the US defence chief famous that he appears ahead to “additional cooperation” between the 2 international locations in areas of frequent curiosity.

The telephone name got here simply weeks earlier than Washington is because of withdraw the final of its troops underneath a deal struck with the Afghan Taliban and Austin’s unannounced journey to Afghanistan on Sunday.

Kabul was the final cease on a whirlwind tour of Asia for the brand new Pentagon chief, a former profession soldier who served in Afghanistan as a division commander from September 2003 till August 2005.

Austin and his entourage flew into Afghanistan on a US-liveried plane as an alternative of a navy airplane that normally carries US officers to the war-torn nation.

Particulars of his go to had been stored underneath wraps for safety causes till after he left.

Earlier than Kabul, Austin had a collection of conferences with Indian management throughout his go to to New Delhi.