WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (NNN-APP) — U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones assured Pakistan of long-term ties in meetings with the country?s top leadership and commended successful anti-Taliban drive in Swat during a visit to the northwestern valley this week, according to a White House spokesman Friday.

During the just-concluded visit, Jones, a retired Marines general, met with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

He discussed a ?variety of issues of mutual concern to both countries, including the full spectrum of development and security matters,? National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said.

?In particular, he reiterated our commitment to a long-term and comprehensive relationship with Pakistan,? the spokesman added in a statement.

General Jones also had the opportunity to travel to the Swat Valley and elsewhere in North West Frontier Province, ?where he congratulated the Pakistani Army and Frontier Corps on the success of their security operations in the west and noted the tremendous sacrifices made by Pakistan?s security forces,? the statement said.

The national security advisor?s five-day trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan helped him view first-hand the current status of efforts in the light of President Obama?s strategy in the region.

In Afghanistan, General Jones met with Senior Afghan, U.S., and ISAF leadership and traveled to Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Panjshir.

His travels allowed him to personally review efforts in the critical areas of security, development, and governance, the spokesman stated. — NNN-APP

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