Top key US military official calls on Pervez Musharraf

Jang (Pakistan) ^ | 30 March 2004 | Unknown

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ISLAMABAD: General Peter Schoomaker, Chief of Staff US Army, called on President General Pervez Musharraf here on Tuesday.

The President recalled the excellent ties that existed between the armed forces of Pakistan and the United States.

President Pervez Musharraf wished General Schoomaker a pleasant and professionally rewarding stay in the country.

He expressed hope that the US army chief's visit would help further strengthen the common position and views on the prevailing international and regional geo-strategic situation.

General Schoomaker thanked the president and the Pakistan Army for exalted hospitality being extended to him and members of the delegation. He termed his interaction with the military leadership in Pakistan as an excellent experience.

The US ambassador in Pakistan and other senior military officers were also present on the occasion.

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Here is also a story from AFP about some other calls made:

US Chief of Staff lauds Pakistan's fight against terrorism: official
ISLAMABAD (AFP) Mar 29, 2004
US army chief of staff General Peter Schoomaker lauded the Pakistan government's determination to eradicate terrorism Monday at a meeting with Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali, officials said.

Schoomaker also hailed the steps being taken for the socio-economic development of the country, they said.

Jamali assured him that the Pakistan government would continue its efforts to root out terrorism and religious extremism from the country.

"Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and it is fulfilling its obligations with regard to eliminating terrorism," Jamali said.

Schoomaker, who is visiting Pakistan for the first time since his appointment as chief of staff in August 2003, also called on Pakistan's Vice Chief of Army Staff General Mohammad Yusuf Khan.

They exchanged views on professional matters, including "exchange protocols, acquisition of equipment and joint exercises with troops," a statement said.

Pakistan has become a key US ally in the war on terrorism, dropping its support of the Taliban, allowing US troops to use its airbases and intelligence for the campaign to oust the regime in late 2001 and arresting more than 500 Al-Qaeda fugitives.

http://www.spacewar.com/2004/040329193702.5ql6ax92.html


I have also seen it reported before the end of the Wana operation that Secretary Rumsfeld will be visiting Pakistan in April. Around the 15th as I recall.

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Rumsfeld due next month

ISLAMABAD – US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is expected to visit Pakistan early next month to discuss war on terror, latest situation in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other regional and international issues with President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and other top Pakistani officials.

The US Defence Secretary’s visit is taking place in the wake of Secretary of State Colin Powell’s visit to Islamabad during which he announced Non-NATO Ally status for Pakistan and said that his country wished to enhance bilateral ties with Islamabad in various sectors.

The diplomatic sources said that the US Defence Secretary would discuss host of issues with Pakistani authorities, however, the focus would be on war on terror and the recent military operation against the militants in South Waziristan Agency.

http://www.hipakistan.com/en/detail.php?newsId=en59097&F_catID=&f_type=source