Pentagon hails Pak offer to train Afghan forces

WASHINGTON (PAN Army’s offer to train Afghan security forces, saying the US had been encouraging this kind of cooperation between the two for a long time.

“Any time the Pakistanis and the Afghans come together and cooperate on training or other activities, that’s beneficial. We’ve been encouraging that kind of cooperation for a long time,” the Pentagon press secretary said.

George Little told reporters at a news conference it was no secret that there had been tension in the past between Afghanistan and Pakistan. “If there are confidence-building measures like this that can take place, then we would welcome that.”

New reports from Islamabad said Afghanistan and Pakistan were nearing a deal on the training relationship, a move that signals longstanding mistrust between the neighbours. The offer was renewed by the Pakistan Army chief at a meeting with a visiting Afghan delegation.

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