Pakistan fundamental to US’ national security interests, says General Joseph Dunford

WASHINGTON (92 News) – The nominee for the position of US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford has said at his Senate confirmation hearing that the relationship with Pakistan is fundamental to the US’ vital national security interests. General Joseph Dunford said the US will need to continue cooperation with Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda, support Pakistan’s stability, and achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan has cooperated with the US in its operations against al Qaeda and other terrorist organisations. The General said that Pakistan’s actions in North Waziristan and other areas of western Pakistan have disrupted groups that are a threat to US personnel and objectives in Afghanistan. "We will continue to work with Pakistan to do more," he said. Joseph Dunford told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the US and Pakistan have differences on several issues, but asserted that financial and military aid to Islamabad would continue. “Areas of divergent interest with Pakistan include our views on the use of proxies and the importance of a positive and stable Pakistan-India relationship,” General Joseph Dunford, the nominee for the position of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee Dunford said that key US strategic interests in Pakistan are preventing al Qaeda’s resurgence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to limit its ability to attack America.