US values sacrifices of Pakistan in war against terrorism: Pentagon official

WASHINGTON: On Pakistan’s Defense & Martyrs Day, Pentagon official toasted the sacrifices and struggle of South Asia’s gaint in war on terror.

“We hold the sacrifices of Pakistan in high regard in war against terrorism,” said Randall G. Schriver, the assistant defence secretary for the Department of Defence’s (DoD) Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.

In a ceremony of Defense Day at the Embassy of Pakistan in the US, the Pentagon official stressed that Pakistan and United States are allies and important partners; there are good relations between the military brass of both the countries.

He further shared that the Pakistan visit of US State Secretary Mike Pompeo and US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph Dunford was very promising and both the countries held talks in a pleasant environment.

READ MORE: US Secretary holds talks with PM Imran

On September 5, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Islambad on a daylong visit to hold talks with the new government to “reset ties between the two countries.”

After the meeting, the foreign minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi stated that the talks with the high-level US delegation was held in a “positive environment” and helped the two countries understand each other’s viewpoint over Afghan conflict, terrorism and other outstanding issues.

It is pertinent to mention that the US military recently said it has made a final decision to cancel $300 million in aid to Pakistan that had been suspended over Islamabad’s perceived failure to take decisive action against militants, in a new blow to deteriorating ties.