Gen Qamar discusses Afghan situation with EU officials in Belgium

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Secretary-General of the European External Action Services (EEAS) Stefano Sannino and Chairman of the EU Military Committee General Claudio Graziano during his official visit to Belgium.

During the meeting matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including the current situation in Afghanistan and bilateral relations with EU were discussed, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday.

“Pakistan values its relations with EU countries and earnestly look forward to enhance mutual cooperation based on common interests,” the military’s media wing quoted Gen Qamar as saying.

The EU dignitaries appreciated Pakistan's sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to play their role for increased collaboration with Pakistan at all levels.

Also read: Pakistan ‘struggles to quell violence’ on Afghan border

Earlier in December, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West called on the army chief and discussed the latest situation in Afghanistan, besides opportunities of bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest, the military said.

The ISPR quoted Gen Qamar as saying that the "world and the region could not afford an unstable Afghanistan", as he stressed the need for global convergence to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe

"The army chief thanked the dignitary for participating in the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)," the military's media wing said and added that the US envoy hailed Pakistan’s efforts for organising the session.