Visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Central Asia Mitchell Shivers has met Pakistan s Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, said an official statement. Pakistan is strongly committed to root out terrorism and extremism and work along with international community till the utter elimination of this common enemy, the minister told the US official. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and underscored the need for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Iqbal briefed Shivers about the steps taken by Pakistan against the war on terror. He informed him about the needs of Pakistan in terms of equipment required for effective surveillance along with the Pak-Afghan border so as to stop cross-border movement of militants and terrorists. Shivers thanked and acknowledged the contribution made by Pakistan against fighting the menace of terrorism and extremism. He said that Pakistan s role was of critical importance for defeating terrorists and extremists elements. He said that there was a strong sense of commitment on the part of Government of Pakistan for combating the common enemy and United States greatly admires Pakistan s role as a key and strong ally against the global war on terror. He said that both countries had shared challenges and were facing a common enemy and their defeat and utter elimination was in the mutual interest of the two countries. He said that United States accorded utmost priority to its ties with Pakistan and wanted to further build up and strengthen bilateral relationship for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Shivers said that their existed tremendous scope of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan which needed to be expanded in the areas of trade, economy and training. He said that the smooth and friendly relations between the two neighbors could contribute towards promotion of peace and stability in the region particularly in Afghanistan.
