German military keen to learn from Pakistan’s terror fight

ISLAMABAD: Germany’s military brass has acknowledged Pakistan Army’s accomplishments in the war against terrorism and showed interest in learning from Pakistani military’s experience.

The acknowledgment came in a meeting between Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and German military leaders on Monday at the German defence ministry.

Gen Raheel is in Berlin on a two-day official trip to meet military and political leadership. He will also travel to Czech Republic on a day-long visit.

On arrival at the German defence ministry in Berlin, the army chief was presented a guard of honour while the German army chief accompanied him, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Later, Gen Raheel held a meeting with Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen and the German army chief. “Bilateral military-to-military relations, enhanced defence and security cooperation, and training exchanges came under discussion,” the ISPR said in a release.

Von der Leyen specially “appreciated COAS’ consistency and will in fighting terrorism”, the statement added. They also acknowledged Pakistan Army’s accomplishments in war on terror. “German military leaders showed interest in learning from Pakistan military’s experience.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2016.