March 05, 2008	Wednesday	Safar 26, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 4: Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee Admiral Michael Mullen met President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday and assured him of his country’s continuing military support for effectively combating terrorism and strengthening security along the Afghan border.

Official sources said the second visit in 30 days by the top US defence official was significant, considering the security environment in the region.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Tariq Majeed and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani were present during the meeting.

President Musharraf reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the global war against terrorism.

He briefed the US admiral on the socio-economic initiatives being taken by the government for rapid development in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

The admiral thanked the president for Pakistan’s cooperation with the coalition partners in the war against terrorism. He held a separate meeting with Gen Majeed during which matters relating to cooperation between the armed forces were discussed. Later, Admiral Mullen visited the General Headquarters and met Gen Kayani.

Military sources said the security situation and the military operation in the tribal areas came under discussion at the meeting.