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Afghan, Pakistan, NATO officials discuss security issues

INT59International/Diplomacy/Terrorism/DefenceAfghan, Pakistan, NATO officials discuss security issuesKabul, Oct 16 Xinhua Top military officials from Afghansitan, Pakistan and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force ISAF have discussed security issues along the border between the two neighbouring countries, an ISAF statement released here Thursday said. Afghanistan's Chief of Army Staff General Bismullah, his Pakistani counterpart General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and ISAF Commander General David McKiernan were present at the tripartite commission meeting held Wednesday in Islamabad, the statement said."They met to discuss areas of mutual interest and to foster cooperation in providing security to the peoples of Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly in the tribal border areas between the two countries," it added. "Forums like these are invaluable as listening to our colleagues' points of view leads to better understanding, which ultimately leads to better cooperation and coordination," the statement quoted McKiernan as saying. The Islamabad parley was the 24th meeting of the Tripartite Commission, which was established nearly six years ago with an objective to reduce militancy and check militants' movement along the porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Commission often holds regular meetings either in Kabul or Islamabad to review the war on terror and bring more coordination in military operations against insurgents. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have been facing increasing militancy as Taliban-linked insurgents and Al Qaeda operatives often target interests of both the countries by carrying suicide attacks and bombings.--Xinhuaskp/jg246 Words16101936