EU envoys meet Army chief, laud Pakistan's role for regional stability

Envoys of Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France pledge to play their part for cooperation with Pakistan

RAWALPINDI:

The ambassadors of Germany, Italy, Netherlands and France called on Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday and assured to play their part in strengthening bilateral ties with Pakistan.

"His Excellency Mr. Bernhard Stephan Schlagheck - Ambassador of Germany, Mr. Andreas Ferrarese - Ambassador of Italy, Mr. Willem Wouter Plomp - Ambassador of Netherlands & Mr. Yves Manville, Acting Ambassador of France called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, today," said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

"During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including latest situation in Afghanistan and enhanced bilateral cooperation with European Union (EU) were discussed," it added.

COAS, the military's media wing added, reiterated that peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. Pakistan has no favourites in the ongoing conflict and our sole desire is helping achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Also read China reaffirms support to Pakistan as ‘strategic partner’

"COAS also said that Pakistan values its relations with EU countries and we earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests," the communique added.

"The visiting dignitaries also appreciated Pakistan's role in regional stability and pledged to play their part for further cooperation with Pakistan at all levels," the ISPR concluded.

On August 10, Turkish Defence Minister General (retired) Hulusi Akar met Army chief and discussed matters of mutual interest, the military said.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between the two countries and overall regional security situation especially the Afghan peace process were discussed.

Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for peace and stability in the region.”