U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday to discuss the U.S.-Pak defense relationship.
"Gen. Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory. Secretary Mattis recognized the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province," said a readout from Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.
The statement added that both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counterterrorism and regional stability.