COAS, Qatari Emir discuss defence, security cooperation

ISPR says Gen Bajwa during an official visit to Doha called on country’s leadership and also discussed bilateral ties

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is on an official trip to Qatar, called on Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, the military said in a statement on Thursday.

During the meetings, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, matters of mutual interest, defence and security cooperation and regional environment were discussed.

The COAS said that both countries share a great history of cordial relations and a deep spirit of brotherhood, which are being transformed into an enduring partnership. Both sides underscored the importance of further enhancing cooperation in all fields.

According to the ISPR, dignitaries also appreciated Pakistan’s continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to keep working for better relations between the two brotherly countries.

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A day earlier, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) and director of the Central Committee on Foreign Affairs, met General Bajwa at the GHQ in Rawalpindi.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, defence collaboration, progress on CPEC and regional security were discussed in detail,” the ISPR said.

Also read: Top CPC official thanks COAS for security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan

The army chief, as per the statement, said that Pakistan valued China’s role in global and regional affairs and “we look forward to enhance the strategic partnership”. He reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to cooperate with its international partners for peace and stability in the region.

“The visiting dignitary thanked the COAS for special measures taken for the provision of a safe and secure environment for Chinese personnel employed on various projects in Pakistan and efforts towards regional stability. He also assured to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels,” according to the military’s media wing.