Army chief, top EU general vow to boost ties ‘at all levels’

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the European Union (EU) defence chief have pledged to play their role for “further improvement in cooperation at all levels”.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the development comes during a video call held on Tuesday between Gen Qamar and Chairman European Union Military Committee (EUMC) General Claudio Graziano.

During the call, matters of mutual interests, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan peace process and enhanced bilateral cooperation with the EU came under discussion.

“Pakistan values its relations with the EU and is earnestly looking forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests,” the army chief quoted as saying by the military’s media wing.

General Claudio Graziano also appreciated Pakistan's role in regional peace and stability especially the Afghan reconciliation process.

Also read: Gen Qamar seeks ‘meaningful international support’ to resolve regional issues

Last week, the COAS met Chief of Defence German Army General Eberhard Zorn and stressed the need for enhancing military cooperation between the two countries.

Director-General for Security and Defence Policy at the German Ministry of Defence Dr Detlef Waechter was also present on the occasion, a statement issued by the ISPR said.

Gen Qamar, who was on an official visit to Germany, discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, mutual cooperation in defence and security domain and bilateral cooperation in various fields during the meeting.