Written by U.S. Army Pfc. Zackary Root
Kabul, Afghanistan – Military leaders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force met to discuss issues concerning Pakistan and Afghanistan relations, border security and joint-operations October 13th.
The conference was held to synchronize efforts to prevent insurgents from exploiting the border to degrade security in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“The best way forward is to talk with each other,” said Pakistan Lt. Gen. Asif Yasin Malik, commander of the Pakistan Army’s 11th Corps.
“We have demonstrated that maintaining dialogue is important,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, Combined Joint Task Force-1 and Regional Command-East commanding general. “To talk first, in order to build our relationship and act together.”
Along with Allyn and Malik, conference attendees included U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gary Volesky, CJTF-1 and RC-East Deputy Commanding General – Maneuver, Afghan Lt. Gen. Yunis Noorzai, the Afghan Border Police Chief, and Afghan Maj. Gen. Khalil Bakhtiyer, the ABP Executive Chief.
As senior leaders from all sides shared their ideas and perspectives through the day, the underlying theme was that the continued dialogue between all sides, commander to commander and Soldier to Soldier, was the key to any past and future success.
“The more the local commanders talk the better the cooperation will be on both sides,” said Pakistan Brig. Gen. Aamer Abbassi, Pakistan Army’s 11th Corps Chief of Staff.
According to Abbasi, continued cooperation between both militaries is key to convincing the local populations in helping them defeat the common enemies of both countries on their shared border.
“If we continue to keep the coordination on both sides the people will cooperate and not allow the enemy a safe haven to operate,” said Abbassi.
Photo Gallery
