Fight against Taliban 'far from over': US Senator John McCain

Washington: A day after meeting the Pakistan army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, Senator John McCain on Friday said the fight against Taliban is "far from over" and hoped the two countries will continue to work closely in mutual interest.

"The meeting was productive and informative to all Members of the Committee. We value our relationship with Pakistan during these very challenging times," McCain, Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a readout of the meeting, which was also attended by other committee members.

"Members believe that the fight against the Taliban is far from over and the Taliban continues to play a key role in the region," McCain said.

Noting that under Gen Sharif's leadership Pakistan army has inflicted losses to the "enemy at great sacrifice," McCain said he apprecited the sacrifice of Pakistani soldiers in the fight against terrorism.

"Our meeting focused on the situation in Afghanistan, the fight against ISIL, and ways to improve coordination and cooperation between our two countries against our terrorist enemies.

"Going forward, I hope we will continue working closely together in the interest of both our countries," McCain said.