ISLAMABAD - US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen reiterated US commitment to respect Pakistan's sovereignty and assured the civil and military leadership of the country about Washington's continued support to Islamabad. In a meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chief of Army Staff Gen Parvez Kayani here on Wednesday, Admiral Mullen appreciated the positive role Pakistan was playing in the war on terror and stressed the need for more cooperation between the two states in achieving the common objective of stemming out terrorism. Mullen stressed the need 'to develop further US-Pakistan cooperation and coordination on these critical issues that challenge the security and well-being of the people of both countries'. A Press release from the US Embassy termed the conversations extremely frank, positive and constructive. During the talks, the progress of Pakistan's efforts to combat militancy, violence and terrorism were also discussed. Mullen arrived Tuesday night on a two-day visit and prior to his meeting with PM Gilani he had held a separate meeting with General Kayani in Rawalpindi. It was further stated in the Press release that Mullen resolved 'to develop further U.S.-Pakistani cooperation and coordination on these critical issues that challenge the security and well-being of the people of both countries'. "The Pakistani leaders reviewed the progress of Pakistan's efforts to combat militancy, violence, and terrorism," the embassy statement said. Mullen appreciated the positive role that Pakistan is playing in the war on terror and pledged continued US support to Pakistan, it said.   Pakistani officials said earlier that the Prime Minister and Mullen discussed 'war on terror, bilateral cooperation and security situation along Pak-Afghan border'. Sources privy to the development informed TheNation that before meeting Admiral Mullen Premier Gilani had a quick session with his Advisor on National Security Mahmood Ali Durrani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik and Chief of Army Staff Gen Kayani. Gilani made it clear to the visiting US Admiral that they would not allow any foreigners to come and take action against militants inside Pakistan as authorities were fully prepared to take action against the militants. He further said that Pakistan was a key ally of US in war against terror and was fully alive to its responsibilities toward its role in crusade against this menace. He further said that Pakistan was against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and would not compromise with militants and added that only the Pakistan Army had the right to take any action for maintaining peace and order inside the country's borders. The PM also lodged a strong protest with the US commander over repeated border incursions and said that Pakistan would defend its borders at all costs and expressed the hope that US would not repeat such steps. During the course of the meeting, the US Admiral assured the Pakistani leadership that such incidents of incursions would not happen any more and US eyes Pakistan with great respect and realises the potential of Pakistan as a key ally. The visit came amid tensions between the US and Pakistan's new government, which had angrily reacted to recent missiles strikes by American drones, killing scores of people including women and children. Mullen warned earlier this month that the US forces would launch unilateral actions in the tribal regions against the Al-Qaeda-linked militants. Last month Mullen met General Kayani secretly on board a US aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean and discussed efforts to slow the infiltration of militants from Pakistan. Meanwhile, Army Chief Gen Kayani lodged strongest protest with the US over border violations by the Afghanistan-based multinational forces and made it clear that Pakistan would no more tolerate these provocative acts. "It was made clear to the US that Islamabad would exercise its sovereign right to defend its border", a senior government official told TheNation requesting anonymity. Informed sources said that General Kayani conveyed his deepest concern to the US top military commander Admiral Michael Mullen who met him today that Pakistan would exercise its sovereign right to defend its territory should the foreign forces failed to stop border violations. Both the military commanders discussed host of issues relating to the war on terror, Pak-Afghan borders security and recent statements issued by the two sides regarding US attacks inside Pakistan's territory. Kayani said there is not agreement or understanding between two countries that allows US to carry out attacks inside Pakistani boundary. He made it clear that it was the sole authority of Pakistan army to tackle insurgency within its territory. General Kayani further said Angoor Adda-like incidents would affect the ongoing cooperation between the US and Pakistan. "General Kayani has also made it clear to the US top commander that collateral damage by the foreign forces strikes could cause severe reaction among the local tribal population", a source said. On the other hand, U.S. Embassy spokesman Lou Fintor said Admiral Mullen wanted to improve coordination and cooperation with the Pakistani military. "Admiral Mullen has worked to forge a closer relationship and he wants to continue the relationship building," said the spokesman, Lou Fintor. Fintor said Mullen "recognized the concerns expressed by General Kayani and desires to continue the dialogue." "The United States is committed to working with Pakistan to eliminate the safe havens," he said.   A US embassy press release issued later said that Admiral Mullen stressed the need "to develop further US - Pakistani cooperation and coordination on these critical issues that challenge the security and well-being of the people of both countries." It said that the conversations were extremely frank, positive and constructive. During the talks the progress of Pakistan's efforts to combat militancy, violence, and terrorism were also discussed.