Top U.S. commander discusses security with Pakistan army chief

Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) General Lloyd J. Austin Monday met Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif at the army headquarters and discussed security issues, the Pakistani army said.

The visit of CENTCOM chief coincided with the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry who has opened talks with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad.

General Austin and the Pakistani army chief discussed "matters of mutual interest" including bilateral defense cooperation and overall regional security situation with special emphasis on Afghanistan.

The visit of the CENTCOM commander is attached with great importance in view of the end of the combat mission of the United States and its NATO allies as Pakistan can play an important role in the Afghan peace and security process.

The U.S. commander lauded the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Army in the war against terror and operational gains in the ongoing major offensive against the militants in the North Waziristan tribal region, an army statement said.

He said the operation code-named "Zarb-e-Azb" has resulted in effective damage to the militants' network.

General Lloyd J. Austin also laid a floral wreath at the " Yadgare-e-Shuhada" (Martyrs Monument) at the army headquarters to pay tribute to Pakistani martyrs. Endi