Top US commander holds talks with Pak leaders over peace efforts in Afghanistan

A top US commander on Monday held talks with high-level Pakistani civilian and military leaders and discussed Pakistan's role in facilitating the ongoing peace efforts in war-torn Afghanistan. US Marine General Kenneth F McKenzie Jr wrapped his two-day visit to Pakistan on Monday, his first since assuming the command of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the US embassy said.

General McKenzie met with high-level Pakistani civilian and military leaders, as well as members of Pakistani civil society. "General McKenzie discussed Pakistan's role in facilitating the Afghan peace talks," the embassy said in a statement.

In his meetings, General McKenzie reaffirmed the US' commitment to security and stability in the region. He met Prime Minister Imran Khan, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Hayat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Mujahid Khan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Abbasi.

General McKenzie assumed command of US Central Command from General Joseph L Votel on March 28 at a ceremony in Tampa, Florida.