South Africa appreciates Pakistan’s role for Afghan reconciliation process

Statement comes during army chief’s meeting with South African Defence Forces’ chief at GHQ

Chief of South African National Defence Forces General Rudzani Maphwanya called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, matters of mutual interests, regional security situation and defence, training and security cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

The army chief said that Pakistan attaches great value to its relations with South Africa.

“Pakistan views South Africa as a key country in African continent and we appreciate South Africa’s role towards regional peace, security and development of African region,” the military’s media wing cited Gen Qamar as saying.

The visiting dignitary also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional peace and stability especially the Afghan peace process.

They also pledged to play their role for further improvement in bilateral cooperation at all levels.

Also read: US lauds Pakistan's 'sincere' efforts for peace in Afghanistan

On July 19, General Qamar urged the Chinese side to "stay strong in thwarting designs of all inimical forces challenging the resolve particularly those threatening the China-Pakistan strategic cooperation", according to a statement issued by the ISPR.

The army chief met Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong at the GHQ just days after a shuttle bus carrying Chinese engineers plunged into a deep ravine after an explosion on board. At least 13 people including nine Chinese nationals were killed in the tragic incident.