Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa held important meetings with foreign ambassadors from Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Mr. Bernhard Stephan Schlagheck – Ambassador of Germany, Mr. Andreas Ferrarese – Ambassador of Italy, Mr. Willem Wouter Plomp – Ambassador of Netherlands and Mr. Yves Manville, Acting Ambassador of France called on COAS Bajwa at General Headquarters (GHQ).
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including the latest situation in Afghanistan and enhanced bilateral cooperation with the European Union (EU) were discussed.
The Army Chief reiterated that peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. “Pakistan has no favourites in the ongoing conflict and our sole desire is helping achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he added.
COAS also said that Pakistan values its relations with EU countries and we earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests.
However, the visiting dignitaries also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and pledged to play their part for further cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.
Earlier this week, COAS Bajwa had reiterated that Pakistan has made every possible effort to facilitate the Afghan peace process leading towards a negotiated settlement with utmost sincerity and will continue to do so.
Chairing a meeting of Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi, he had said all stakeholders have to play their part positively for enduring peace in Afghanistan which is pivotal for stability in the region.
“Misperceptions and scapegoating must be avoided to counter designs of spoilers,” he cautioned.
The Army Chief further expressed satisfaction over stringent measures being taken for ensuring effective border control as part of the comprehensive Border Management Regime and asked for a high level of vigil along the western border.
He had also commended formations for maintaining high standards of operational readiness and providing sustained support to civil administration during ongoing national efforts against Covid-19, monsoons and National Polio Drive.
Taking a holistic view of the multifarious security challenges faced by Pakistan in various domains in the evolving milieu, the forum underscored the need for adopting a whole of nation approach.
