New US Centcom commander calls on PM, air chief

ISLAMABAD: While underscoring the need for an intra-Afghan dialogue, Pakistan has reiterated that Afghan stakeholders should sit together to discuss the contours of their future polity in the wake of the withdrawal of foreign troops. It has been stated by Prime Minister Imran Khan during his talks with the visiting Commander US Central Command (Centcom) General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. who had an important meeting with the prime minister on Monday here at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The general was on two-day visit to Pakistan and had a number of meetings here and Rawalpindi. His call on the prime minister was his last engagement in Pakistan. General McKenzie is on his first trip to Pakistan after assuming his responsibilities last month.

Welcoming General McKenzie to Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan shared his longstanding commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan through political settlement. He stated that the policy to seek direct engagement with Afghan stake holders including Taliban to find a negotiated solution had the greatest prospects to end the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan.

Underscoring the need for an intra-Afghan dialogue, prime minister stated that Afghan stakeholders should sit together to discuss the contours of their future polity after the withdrawal of foreign troops. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to have good neighbourly relations with Afghanistan.

The prime minister apprised General McKenzie of his government’s commitment to implement the National Action Plan, which had the backing of all political parties in the country. Sharing the priorities of his government including human development and vigorous economic reforms, he reiterated Pakistan’s vision for normalisation of relations with all its neighbours, including India.

The prime minister stressed the need for continued military cooperation between Pakistan and the US to deal with the emerging threats, especially the ISIS which was concentrating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Meanwhile, General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr, Commander of the United States Central Command (US Centcom), called on Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at the Air Headquarters, Islamabad on Monday, says a press release. Various matters pertaining to regional security and areas of mutual cooperation came under discussion during the meeting. General McKenzie assured to provide every possible cooperation for regional peace and stability.