The chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm Mike Mullen, arrived here on Monday to emphasise America’s eagerness to help Pakistan in its fight against foreign terrorists.

Admiral Mullen said the US was willing to offer assistance, but he stressed that he was bringing no specific proposals on this visit and that he would await formal requests from Pakistan’s military. The trip by Admiral Mullen, America’s highest-ranking military officer, is his second here in less than a month, and it underscores Washington’s view of the vital role Pakistan plays in the global counterterrorism effort.

Speaking to reporters aboard his airplane, Admiral Mullen was asked whether General Kayani was at risk of being seen as too close to the United States. “One of the messages that I want to make sure that I am very consistent with is: We are there to assist where he wants us to assist,” Admiral Mullen said.