ISLAMABAD - Commander International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) General John R Allen met with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday, the latest in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between Isaf and Pakistan as well as improving security in the region.

According to a statement of the US Embassy, the trip is the last Gen Allen is making to Pakistan as Isaf commander. He was joined in Islamabad by his successor General Joseph F Dunford Jr, who assumes command of the 50-nation coalition force on Sunday.
The officials discussed a variety of issues relating to their mutually shared goals of peace and stability in the region and strengthening cross-border cooperation.
While acknowledging that there is more to do, both leaders were pleased with the progress to date. This ongoing strategic dialogue between the two four-star generals, supported by frequent discussions at lower levels, has enhanced the effectiveness of operations on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Meanwhile, the 13th meeting of Pakistan-United Kingdom Defence Cooperation Forum (DFC) started here Thursday at the Ministry of Defence & Defence Production, a press statement said. The meeting broadly discussed the agenda points from the last meeting in August 2011.
Headed by the Permanent Under-Secretary for United Kingdom, a delegation of British defence officials is in Pakistan on a two-day tour to attend the forum meeting, which on the first day concentrated on post-2014 Afghanistan scenario, concluded the statement.