In the statement issued here Saturday, US Defense Secretary also said that Washington wants progress in Pak-US relations

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis said on Saturday that indiscriminate action against terrorist safe havens inside the country are in regional and Pakistan?s interest.

The statement comes ahead of his scheduled visit to Pakistan on Monday.

In the statement issued Saturday, US Defense Secretary also said that Washington wants progress in Pak-US relations.

Mattis on Friday began his five-day tour of the Middle East and Pakistan.

"In Afghanistan, we have heard from Pakistan leaders that they do not support terrorism. So I expect to see that sort of action reflected in their policies," Mattis said during his visit to Egypt.

"They have said that they do not support havens for any terrorists, and Pakistan has taken significant casualties - both innocent people and their army. So we expect them to act in their own best interest, and in support of peace and regional stability," he said.

"I'm making my first trip to Pakistan as secretary of defense ... The US remains committed to a pragmatic relationship that expands cooperation on shared interests while reinforcing President Trump's call for action against terrorist safe havens," he said.

"They know this. In many cases, they are. But what we're looking for is to broaden the common ground and make certain that no terrorist organisation is seen as able to operate from a haven there," he said.

Mattis will visit Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait during his tour.

The US Secretary of Defense will meet with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Bajwa and hold discussions regional security, peace, Afghan conflict and other bilateral issues.

His final stop will be in Kuwait Tuesday, where he will meet with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.