Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif meets US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's army chief General Raheel Sharif today met US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and discussed bilateral defence relations and regional security.

In a series of tweets, ISPR spokesman Director-General ISPR Lt-Gen Asim Bajwa said, Gen Sharif and Carter discussed "US-Pak defence relations and regional security."

Welcoming the Pakistani delegation, Carter "underlined the strategic importance" of US-Pakistan relationship with shared history, Bajwa said.

Carter emphasised that the US values Pakistan and looks at its ties with Pakistan independent of all other countries, he said.

During the meeting the Defence Secretary appreciated the contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan in fighting war on terror and acknowledged effects of successful counter terrorism operations which are opening opportunities for regional peace, Bajwa tweeted.

According to the Pakistani official, Carter said the US will play its part and fully support any effort of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism in any way.

"We will continue to operate in a coordinated manner against this global menace," Bajwa tweeted.

Sharif, according to Bajwa, highlighted Pakistan's perspective of regional challenges.

He reiterated that backed by national consensus and with whole of Nation approach Pakistan is resolved to eliminate terrorism and extremism from its soil for good.