Top US generals meet General Kayani to discuss military-to-military ties

Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday, the latest in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between ISAF and Pakistan as well as improving security in the region.

According to a statement of the US Embassy, the trip is the last Gen. Allen is making to Pakistan as ISAF commander.  He was joined in Islamabad by his successor, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who assumes command of the 50-nation coalition force on Sunday.

The officials discussed a variety of issues relating to their mutually shared goals of peace and stability in the region and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

While acknowledging that there is more to do, both leaders were pleased with the progress to date.  This ongoing strategic dialogue between the two four-star generals, supported by frequent discussions at lower levels, has enhanced the effectiveness of operations on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.