US Centcom commander General James N. Mattis — AFP photo

ISLAMABAD: A top Pakistani general Sunday expressed concern over US allegations of links to insurgents, stressing that peace in the region would only be possible through mutual trust and cooperation.

General Khalid Shameem Wyne, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, conveyed his reaction when General James Mattis, commander of the US Central Command, called on him, the military said in a statement.

The meeting followed scathing criticism by the top US military officer Admiral Mike Mullen that Pakistan was “exporting” terror to neighbouring Afghanistan.

“Both leaders discussed various matters of mutual interests and emerging geo-strategic situation in the region,” the statement said.

General Wyne “expressed his concern about the negative statements emanating from the US,” it said, adding that “he stressed upon addressing the irritants in the relationship which are a result of an extremely complex situation.”

"Pakistan armed forces are committed to achieving enduring peace in the region which will only be possible through mutual trust and cooperation," the statement said.

Separately the US embassy said Mattis visited Islamabad to meet with army chief General Ashfaq Kayani and Wynne.

“The generals had candid discussions about the current challenges in the US-Pakistan relationship.

“However, General Mattis also emphasised the vital role the Pakistan military plays in international security efforts to protect the Pakistani and Afghan people and the need for persistent engagement among the militaries of the US, Pakistan and other states in the region,” the embassy said in a statement.

Mattis held security talks with Kayani on Saturday when Pakistani officials said the meeting would help defuse the mounting tensions.

As ties suffered a blow over the US accusations, Kayani Sunday convened a special meeting of top military commanders to discuss the security situation.

The “special corps commanders conference” chaired by Kayani reviewed the “prevailing security situation” in the country, officials said without giving details.