The US military has reaffirmed its commitment to a long-term and mutually beneficial security partnership with Pakistan.

The reaffirmation came as US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has held a telephonic conversation with Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday and expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's support to Afghanistan reconciliation process.

"Secretary of Defence Dr Mark T. Esper spoke by phone with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa of Pakistan on March 19, 2020. Secretary Esper reaffirmed the department's commitment to a long-term, mutually beneficial security partnership with the Government of Pakistan," a readout by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said.

"Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's support to the Afghanistan reconciliation process following February 29, 2020, US-Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Joint Declaration and signing Taliban Agreement. Secretary Esper welcomed continued close cooperation with Pakistan into the future," the readout said.

On February 29, the United States and the Taliban had signed a long-awaited peace deal in Qatar.