Pompeo, Pakistan army chief discuss relations, Afghanistan

A statement released by State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says Pompeo and Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed ways to advance U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relations, the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia without distinction. (Photo By Central Intelligence Agency, Public Domain)

ISLAMABAD -U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken by phone with Pakistan’s army chief to discuss political reconciliation in Afghanistan and other issues.

A statement released by State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says Pompeo and Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed ways to advance U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relations, the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia without distinction.

Pakistan hosted the first direct peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban in 2015, but they ended when Kabul announced the death of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammed Omar.

Washington has talked up the prospects for peace many times and Pakistan has said it will help to ensure its neighbour’s stability.