RAWALPINDI, Oct 6 : The US deputy secretary of state, Richard Armitage, and the assistant secretary of state, Ms Christina Rocca, called on the secretary defence, Lt-Gen Hamid Nawaz Khan (retired), here on Monday.

According to a press release, the two sides discussed matters related to bilateral relations, defence cooperation and geo-political situation in the region.

The defence secretary briefed Armitage on the recent defence consultative group‘s meeting and requested him to use his good offices for the speedy implementation of the decisions taken during the group meeting and for removing any unforeseen hurdles that may arise therein.

Mr Armitage while expressing appreciation for the role played by Pakistan in the war against terrorism said that the US wanted to engage in a long-term sustainable relationship with Pakistan, which ensures working together in social, cultural, economic and defence fields, he stressed.

In connection with the DCG meeting, he assured the secretary that he would use his influence to move things speedily in the right direction.

The US ambassador, Ms Nancy Powell, also attended the meeting.