The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has met with the Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to effectively tackle the common challenges of terrorism and extremism. The meeting was held in Rawalpindi and the two discussed issues related to regional security, border management, and formalization of bilateral security mechanisms to improve the current security environment.
https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=6530
The COAS Gen Munir stressed the need for full support and commitment from the interim Afghan government in matters of mutual interest, while the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s traditional support for the people of Afghanistan and acknowledged the country’s important role in facilitating peace and development in Afghanistan.
The army chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular contact to strengthen bilateral ties and address issues of common concern.
In a separate meeting with the Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the COAS Gen Munir discussed matters of mutual interest including regional security and defense cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Strategic relationship and pledged full support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which is a vital component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Chinese minister underscored the importance of the longstanding strategic relationship between the two countries and expressed his satisfaction over the progress made on the CPEC while reiterating China’s commitment to its timely completion. Both sides agreed to enhance their existing cooperation in defense and security domains to effectively counter common security challenges.
https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=6531
The meetings concluded on a positive note with both sides reiterating their resolve to further strengthen the time-tested, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China. The meetings hold great significance in terms of regional stability and progress.
