Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir holds a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi where he stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to “effectively” tackle the common challenges of terrorism and extremism.
According to the Pak Army Media Wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi who is currently in Pakistan for a four-day visit, called on the army chief at his office in Rawalpindi.
During meeting COAS Asim Munir and Afghan Foreign Minister discussed issues of mutual interest including aspects related to regional security, border management, and formalization of bilateral security mechanisms for improvement in the current security environment.
COAS Gen Munir also reiterated the need for full support and commitment from the interim Afghan government in matters of mutual interest, the military’s media wing stated.
Moreover, the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s traditional support for the people of Afghanistan and acknowledged the important role that the country continues to play in facilitating peace and development in Afghanistan. He also expressed his desire to work closely with Pakistan to promote regional stability and prosperity.
During the meeting, both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular contact to strengthen bilateral ties and address issues of common concern.
Later, the army chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.
COAS, Chinese FM talks on regional security situation
Separately, the Army chief also held a meeting with the Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang at the General headquarters in Rawalpindi during which matters of mutual interest including regional security and defence cooperation came under discussion.
COAS Gen Munir, in the meeting, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Strategic relationship. He also pledged full support for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which is a vital component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He also appreciated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan on regional and international issues.
“COAS acknowledged China’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, and both sides agreed to enhance their existing cooperation in defence and security domains to effectively counter common security challenges,” the statement read.
Foreign Minister Qin Gang underscored the importance of the longstanding strategic relationship between the brotherly nations and expressed his satisfaction over the progress made on the CPEC while reiterating China’s commitment to its timely completion.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability, especially the support of the Pakistan Armed Forces for the provision of security to Chinese Nationals and projects in Pakistan.
The two dignitaries also discussed the evolving security situation in the region. COAS acknowledged China’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, and both sides agreed to enhance their existing cooperation in defence and security domains to effectively counter common security challenges.
The meeting, as stated by the ISPR, concluded on a positive note with both sides reiterating their resolve to further strengthen the time-tested, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China.
