ISLAMABAD, JUNE 13, SPA -- The Chief of Defence Force of New Zealand, Lt-Gen Jeremiah Mateparae has discussed with Pakistan s Defence Secretary Defence Kamran Rasool matters of mutual interest, says an official statement. They sides exchanged views on the geo-strategic situation of the region with special reference to Afghanistan. Rasool briefed the Chief of Defence Force about the counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan. He told him that Pakistan was strongly committed to fighting the war on terrorism and had achieved considerable success in this regard. The secretary said that Pakistan had deployed 80,000 troops on its border with Afghanistan to stop cross border infiltration. He said that the Waziristan agreement was working well and had contributed a lot towards bringing normalcy and containing militancy in the area. Rasool apprised Mateparae about the support provided by Pakistan in terms of access and logistics to ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) and NATO troops currently stationed in Afghanistan. He highlighted the significant contribution made by Pakistan in peace-keeping operations under UN mission in various parts of the world. The Chief of Defence Forces of New Zealand stressed the need for enhanced cooperation and people to people contacts for the mutual benefit of the two countries. He thanked the government of Pakistan for extending him warm welcome and hospitality.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/458418