Pak-US military ties strong: US envoy

KARACHI: The US guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), deployed with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), conducted a scheduled sustainment and logistics port visit to Karachi on June 8 to 9.During the ship’s visit, US Embassy chargé d’affaires Lesslie Viguerie came aboard and met with the crew, the US diplomatic mission said in a statement.

“The military-to-military ties between the US and Pakistan are strong and enduring,” it said, quoting Chargé Viguerie.“Through staff exchanges and joint exercises, we are working together to protect the world’s most important shipping lanes, combat piracy, and counter terrorism. Together, we can help ensure a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Asia.” The Monterey’s visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team also improved bilateral maritime security capabilities and interoperability through a subject matter expert exchange with their Pakistani counterparts.

“Monterey’s crew was excited for the opportunity to visit Pakistan,” said Capt Joseph A Baggett, commanding officer of Monterey. “It’s important that we continue to work together with regional and coalition partners and reinforce our mutual commitment to maritime security and stability,” he added.