Pakistan ready to work closely with Afghanistan, says army chief

Pak-Afghan bilateral border security mechanism is critically important, says Gen Qamar

Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistan would continue its positive role in bringing about peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“Peace in Afghanistan is a shared interest and Pakistan will continue its positive role and is ready to work closely with Afghanistan,” he remarked during his visit to the UK Ministry of Defence on Monday.

The chief of army staff (COAS) was presented a guard of honour at Horse Guards Square where CGS Gen Sir Nick Carter welcomed him, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

#COAS in UK. Met UK Chief of Defence Staff, UK Spec Rep for Afg & Pak and US Resolute Sp Msn Commander. pic.twitter.com/OfTcY4LCql

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 3, 2017

Gen Qamar, who is on a three-day official visit to Britain, reiterated that Pakistan is a peace loving country and shall continue to play its positive role in bringing about enduring peace and stability in the region.

“Pak-Afghan bilateral border security mechanism is critically important and both the countries need to formulate this at priority,” Gen Qamar added.

#COAS UK Visit.... pic.twitter.com/veXvHkca2T

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 3, 2017

Later, the COAS had separate meetings with UK Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Owen Jenkins and also US Resolute Support Mission (RSM) Commander General John Nicholson.



He also shared various border control/management measures which Pakistan has undertaken and urged the requirement of similar measures on other side of the border to defeat the common enemy.

Highlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gen Qamar said the the multibillion-dollar project should be viewed as an economic manoeuver since it aims at fostering inclusive development in best interest of the region and beyond.



Pakistan's role for peace lauded

The UK leadership and RSM commander appreciated and acknowledged positive role played by Pakistan and Pakistan Army towards peace and stability.

Matters of mutual interest including regional geo-political environment with special reference to Afghanistan came under discussion.

The COAS also thanked British leadership for their assistance during the war on terror.