U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Pakistan Army chief discuss Afghan peace

Top American commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, met Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday and they discussed security issues, the military said.

Gen Nicholson, Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, is visiting Pakistan days after President Barack Obama announced he will keep 8,400 American troops in Afghanistan when he finishes his term in early 2017. He had earlier planned to slash the troop levels from 9,800 to 5,500 troops by the end of 2016.

In June, the U.S. President had also expanded the role of the American troops to accompany the Afghan troops in targeting the Taliban.

"During the meeting, regional security issues and matters of mutual interest including border management mechanism along Pak-Afghanistan border and way forward for lasting peace in Afghanistan were discussed," the Pakistan's army information wing said.

The meeting was held at a time when efforts for the peace talks face a deadlock as both the Taliban and the Afghan government have put a stop on the process.

Taliban had refused to join the talks under a quartet of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the U.S. in early March. Kabul also changed the mood after the Taliban deadliest attack in Kabul in late April that had killed nearly 60 people and injured over 300.

"The visiting dignitary lauded the role of Pakistan Armed Forces in breaking the nexus of terrorists and efforts for bringing peace in the region," the army's statement further said. Endit