Prime Minister Imran Khan was called on by the incoming commander of the United States Central Command (US CENTCOM), Kenneth F. McKenzie, on Monday to discuss regional security and other matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed Pak-US relations and the ongoing Afghanistan peace process and other matters of mutual interests.
Earlier in the day, McKenzie called on Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad to discuss matters pertaining to maritime security. On April 7, a United States delegation led by General Kenneth McKenzie called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
This was U.S. Marine General Kenneth F. McKenzie’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming command of United States Central Command.
During his two-day visit, General McKenzie met with high-level Pakistani civilian and military leaders, as well as members of Pakistani civil society.
He held meetings with Prime Minister Khan, Defense Minister Khattak, Foreign Secretary Janjua, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Hayat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Mujahid Anwar Khan, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.
In his meetings, General McKenzie reaffirmed the United States commitment to security and stability in the region. General McKenzie discussed Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Afghan peace talks. He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s past sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and learned of the recent moves against extremist groups in Pakistan under the National Action Plan (NAP).
General McKenzie assumed command of United States Central Command from General Joseph L. Votel on March 28, 2019 at a ceremony in Tampa, Florida.