Pakistan army chief in US talks

Washington, 23 March-(ANA)-Pakistan's army chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani has met US defence leaders in Washington as the two countries begin a week-long strategic dialogue.

He held talks with Defence Secretary Robert Gates and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is to meet Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday.

The US wants to strengthen its ties with Pakistan, a key ally in the fight against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

Gen Kayani's meetings with Mr Gates and Adm Mullen "focused primarily on bilateral defence issues, but it was part of the larger US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue," the Pentagon said in a statement.(ANA)

FA/ANA/23 March 2010------