ISLAMABAD, July 19: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday and exchanged views with him on the ongoing war against terror and international issues. Minister for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmed confirmed the telephonic conversation but declined to give any details.

Ms Rice called President Musharraf after the latter had a meeting with the visiting chief of the US Central Command, General John P. Abizaid.

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that in his meeting with Gen Abizaid, President Musharraf expressed the hope that his visit and his meetings with the Pakistani military leadership would help enhance cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.

President Musharraf and Gen Abizaid discussed the regional and international geo-strategic situation with particular reference to Afghanistan, the ISPR said.

Genera Abizaid, who is on a two-day official visit, also met the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Gen Ahsan Saleem Hayat and exchanged views with him on matters of professional interest.

They also reviewed Pak-US military ties, the ongoing operation against Taliban and Al Qaeda and Pakistan-Afghan border issues.

The US General lauded the successes achieved by the Pakistan army and law-enforcement agencies and said the US was ready to provide all technical and military assistance to Pakistan which was an important ally.

He said that the coalition forces would ensure protection of Pakistani borders during its operation against Al Qaeda operatives in Afghanistan.

Gen Hayat apprised the Centcom chief of Pakistan’s defence needs for maintaining the balance of power in the region.