WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday renewed his nation’s “dedication to sustaining sturdy bilateral protection relationship with Pakistan” in a cellphone name with Chief of Military Employees Common Qamar Javed Bajwa.
“Secretary Austin strengthened america’ 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 US Division of Protection.
Throughout the conversations, the US defence chief mentioned that he seems to be ahead to “additional cooperation” between the 2 international locations in areas of widespread curiosity.
The cellphone name got here simply weeks earlier than Washington is because of withdraw the final of its troops below 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 a substitute of a army airplane that often carries US officers to the war-torn nation.
Particulars of his go to have been saved below 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.
