Strengthening U.S.-Pakistan Military Ties U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Greenert Meets with PM Sharif and Top Military Officials

Islamabad, May 13, 2014 —Admiral Jonathan Greenert, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations departed Pakistan today after meeting with Prime Minister Sharif and top military officials in Islamabad and Karachi. Admiral Greenert and Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Pakistani security relationship to regional stability and agreed to continue to work together in order to build a stronger partnership and further common objectives.

While in Karachi, Admiral Greenert paid respect to Quaid-e-Azam at the Founders Tomb, met with soldiers at Pakistan Naval Station Rahbar, and visited the Navy Museum. He also met with Rear Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini, Commander of Coastal Areas, and Vice Admiral Khan Hasham Bin Siddique, Commander of the Pakistani Fleet.

Admiral Greenert concluded his visit here in the capital with discussions on a wide range of common security issues with Prime Minister Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandila, along with other senior military officials.

U.S. assistance to Pakistan continues to help build the counter-insurgency and counterterrorism capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces, which are critical to countering violence in the western border regions. Since 2002, Pakistan has received more than $16 billion of security assistance and reimbursements. Pakistan’s determined effort to root out terrorism and militancy on its own territory is essential for creating a stable environment for promoting economic growth and prosperity.