The United States Central Command Commander Gen. Joseph Votel in a meeting on Monday evening in Kabul said Islamabad should take practical steps in fighting terrorism.
Votel made the remarks at a meeting with the Afghanistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib where Afghan defense and interior ministers and the Resolute Support Commander Gen. Austin Scott Miller were present, NSA office said in a statement.
According to the statement, Votel and Mohib discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and in the region, Afghan peace process, joint anti-terror fight, reforms in Afghan security and defense departments and the Afghan parliamentary elections.
Votel said US supports Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process adding that the regional countries, especially Pakistan, must take serious practical action in the fight against terrorism, read the statement.
Votel also said the Afghan government has made progress in bringing reforms in security and defense departments and fighting corruption and should continue its efforts in this regard.
According to the statement, Mohib voiced his appreciation for the US’ cooperation in backing and equipping Afghan security forces adding that Kabul is committed to bringing reforms in security departments.
Votel also met with President Ashraf Ghani where they discussed issues around Afghan peace process, supporting and equipping Afghan security and defense forces, joint anti-terror efforts and the effect of the US Strategy for South Asia.
According to a statement from the Presidential Palace, Votel said Afghanistan successfully held parliamentary elections and praised Afghan security forces for maintaining security of the elections.
Referring to the Kandahar attack, that claimed the life of Gen. Abdul Raziq, police chief of the province, Votel said US as a strategic partner will stay by the side of the Afghan government and people.
Ghani meanwhile said now a national, regional and international consensus has been made on Afghan peace adding that the Afghan government welcomes any moves that could lead to peace.