MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 24th October, 2021) Pakistani Foreign Ministry denied on Saturday media reports about the possibility of signing an agreement with the United States on the use of the country's airspace for operations against terrorists in Afghanistan.
Earlier on Saturday, CNN reported that Washington was nearing a formalized agreement with Islamabad for use of Pakistani airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan, citing sources familiar with the details of a classified Friday briefing with the members of Congress. Pakistan allegedly expressed readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in exchange for assistance with its counterterrorism efforts and relations with India, according to the source, CNN said. However, the negotiations were said to be still underway.
"In response to media queries regarding latest news report alluding to formalization of an agreement for the use of Pakistan's airspace by the United States to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan, the Spokesperson stated that no such understanding was in place," the foreign ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook.
At the same time, Pakistan and the US have "longstanding cooperation on regional security and counter-terrorism" and the two sides continue to engage in regular consultations, the ministry added.
