Gen Qamar stresses urgent ‘mechanism to deliver aid to Afghanistan’

Italian military official calls on COAS and acknowledges Pakistan's role for regional stability, says ISPR

RAWALPINDI:

Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has emphasised the urgency for "swiftly devising an institutional mechanism for channelling humanitarian assistance" to Afghanistan to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, the military's media wing said.

The COAS made the remarks while talking to Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, Secretary-General of Defence and National Armaments Director, Italy who called on him at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

According to the communique, Gen Qamar further said: "Peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan."

"During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including the recent developments in Afghanistan and with particular reference to enhanced military cooperation in the field of training and counter-terrorism domains were discussed," the ISPR added.

Also read: Italy praises Pakistan's efforts for Afghan, regional peace

Pakistan, the COAS said, values Italy's role in global and regional affairs and "we look forward to enhancing our bilateral relationship".

"The visiting dignitary acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan's armed forces and vowed to enhance cooperation in various fields," the ISPR said.

"He also appreciated Pakistan's role in Afghan situation, special efforts for border management and role in regional stability," the communique concluded.

In September, the Italian foreign minister met the army chief and appreciated Pakistan's role in the Afghan situation including successful evacuation operations, efforts for regional stability and pledged to play their role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.