‘Military-to-military ties’ between Pakistan, US ‘strong and enduring’: diplomat

KARACHI: United States Chargé d’affaires William Steuer remarked on Friday that the “military-to-military ties” between Islamabad and Washington are “strong and enduring”.

A press release issued by the US Consulate in Karachi said Steuer passed the remarks while visiting the USS Pearl Harbor that was “visiting” Karachi. The consulate said that the ship was in Karachi from November 10-11.

In his address, the US diplomat also appreciated “Pakistan Navy’s participation in the Combined Maritime Taskforce, and for its commitment to protecting sea lanes of communication and freedom of navigation in the North Arabian Sea as part of Combined Task Force 150 and Combined Task Force 151”.

“The military-to-military ties between the United States and Pakistan are strong and enduring,” said Steuer.

“Through staff exchanges and joint exercises, we are working together to protect the world’s most important shipping lanes, combat piracy, and counter terrorism. Together, we can help ensure a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Asia,” said the diplomat.

The consulate said that the USS Pearl Harbor is a dock landing vessel that is equipped to “transport US marines and vehicles”.

The consulate also shared that this is the second visit of the USS Pearl Harbor to Karachi.

“The ship docked in Karachi in October 2005 after the devastating October 8 earthquake that struck Pakistan to assist with emergency earthquake relief,” recalled the mission.