The Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff US Armed Forces, Admiral Michael Mullen, met President Pervez Musharraf Saturday, said an official statement. Pakistan is engaged in the fight against terrorism and extremism in its own national interest and for the stability and progress of society. However, the international community had a stake in our success, the president said. Mullen, currently on a three day visit to Pakistan, expressed deep appreciation of the efforts by Pakistan and the sacrifices being rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces in combating international terrorism. He said that Pakistan was a key US ally and there existed excellent cooperation between the two countries which had also contributed to effectively combating terrorism both internationally and in the region. The president mentioned government s holistic strategy to fight terrorism and extremism especially in the FATA area that included political, administrative and socio-economic measures. He lauded the US assistance for FATA development and underscored the need for early implementation of the proposal for establishing Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) that would help generate economic activity in the area. Musharraf gave his views on the prevailing geo-strategic environment in the region and Pakistan s policies in improving and strengthening regional peace and security. The president emphasised the importance that Pakistan attached to its relations and multi-faceted cooperation with the United States, including in the defence field. He thanked the US government for their assistance and expressed the hope that Admiral Michael Mullen s visit would serve to further enhance cooperation among the defence forces of the two countries. Mullen on Saturday told the reporters that the nuclear assets of Pakistan are properly guarded and safe. He said I am very confidant about the security and safety of the nuclear assets in Pakistan and no extremist or terrorist can access them. I am very much satisfied with the security measure taken for their security and safety, he added.
