US defence team calls on president

Published September 27, 2002

ISLAMABAD, Sept 26: President Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday that cooperation between defence forces of Pakistan and the United States would not only be mutually beneficial but also for peace and stability in the region.

He was talking to the members of the US Defence Consultative Group, who called on him here on Thursday.

The president recalled the excellent relationship and cooperation between the defence forces of the two countries over the years and expressed the hope that the level of interaction would surpass the previous relationship in the future.

The delegation, led by Under Secretary of Defence Policy Douglas Feith, apprised the president about the ongoing talks and the progress made with their Pakistani counterparts.

Pakistan-US Defence Consultative Group has been revived after a lapse of five years.

The decision to this effect was taken following bilateral meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and President Bush during former’s visit to the United States earlier this year.

The US under secretary of defence, during the meeting, conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of the US government with regard to Pakistan’s role in global fight against international terrorism, describing it as being of historical significance.—APP