COAS, Tajik defence minister discuss situation in Afghanistan

Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's positive role in regional peace, especially in Afghan Peace Process

RAWALPINDI:

Defence Minister of Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Colonel General Sherali Mirzo called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters on Wednesday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) maintained in a statement.

During the meeting matters of mutual interests, overall regional situation including recent developments in Afghanistan, especially situation on the Tajik-Afghan border and measures to further enhance bilateral defence collaboration were discussed.

The COAS said that Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Tajikistan, which are based on shared faith, culture and convergence on all important issues relating to regional peace, security and stability.

Gen Bajwa also appreciated Tajikistan's efforts towards regional connectivity and its inclination to achieve the same through Pakistan.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's positive role for regional peace and stability, especially Afghan Peace Process and pledged to keep working for better relations between the two brotherly countries.

On June 23, officials in Turkey and Azerbaijan appreciated Pakistan for its role in promoting peace in the region, especially the country’s efforts for bringing stability in Afghanistan.

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They made such views during Gen Bajwa’s separate visits to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

COAS Gen Qamar had met Turkish Defence Minister General (retd) Hulusi Akar during his day-long visit, and discussed matters of mutual interest including the Afghan peace process, according to a statement issued by the ISPR.

Turkish General Staff Commander General Yasar Guler and Turkish Land Forces Commander General Umit Dundar were also in attendance.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan reconciliation process and bilateral defence and security cooperation in various fields were discussed,” the statement read.

Earlier on arrival in Azerbaijan, the army chief was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.

The COAS met senior military leaders of Azerbaijan during the two-day official visit to the country. He called on Internal Affairs Minister Colonel General Eyvazov Vilayat Suleyman Oglu, Chief of State Border Service (SBS) Colonel General Elchin Guliyev, and Chief of State Security Service Colonel General Ali Naghi Oglu Naghiyev in Baku.

During the meeting, the military’s media wing said that matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation, regional peace and cooperation in energy, trade and connectivity projects between both countries were discussed.