Pakistan, US military leaders underline security in Afghanistan

Commander of U.S. Central Command General Lloyd J. Austin III on Wednesday met with senior Pakistani military leaders and discussed issues related to " regional security situation with special emphasis on Afghanistan," the Pakistan military said. They also reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two militaries, a statement from the military said. Austin, who arrived on Wednesday, held talks with General Rashad Mahmood, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the garrison city of Rawalpindi. "During the meeting, the two discussed matters of bilateral professional interest," the statement said while giving no further details. The visit of the American commander is taking place amid important developments in the region including the peace talks with the Taliban in Pakistan and the upcoming elections in Afghanistan. The role of the U.S. and Pakistan is seen as significant in peaceful Afghan elections in April. The U.S. also seeks Pakistan's help in the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan as its land route is a key for heavy machinery and defense equipment. The U.S. says the Taliban dialogue is an internal issue of Pakistan. The ruling party in Pakistan's northwest, a main NATO supply route, has cut the line for over two months as protest against the U.S. drone strikes in the country's tribal region. The route has not been opened despite repeated calls from the U. S. side. Pakistani officials however insist that the other supply route is open through Balochistan province, western Pakistan.