COAS vows full support for CPEC project

Army chief holds separate talks with Chinese, Afghan FMs

ISLAMABAD:

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi separately called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir here on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral interest.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussion included the matters pertaining to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), regional security and defence cooperation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin called on Gen Munir at the Army House. The ISPR, the media wing of the military, said that during the meeting, the army chief reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the Sino-Pak strategic relations.

Gen Munir pledged full support for the CPEC project – a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He also appreciated China's unwavering support for Pakistan on regional and international issues.

While highlighting the importance of the long-standing strategic relations between the two countries, Foreign Minister Qin expressed satisfaction over the progress made on the CPEC. He reiterated China's commitment to timely completion of CPEC.

The two sides also discussed the emerging security situation in the region. The army chief acknowledged China's role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Qin also appreciated Pakistan's efforts for maintaining regional peace and stability.

The two sides agreed to enhance the bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and security to counter common security challenges. Both sides reiterated the determination to further strengthen the friendship between Pakistan and China, the ISPR said.

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In his separate meeting Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi at his office, the army chief stressed the need for increasing the bilateral cooperation to effectively deal with the common challenges of terrorism and extremism.

According to the ISPR, aspects of regional security, border management and regularisation of bilateral security mechanisms to improve the existing security environment were discussed in the meeting.

The army chief stressed the need for full support and commitment from the Afghan interim government in matters of mutual interest. The Afghan foreign minister appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating peace and development in Afghanistan.

He also expressed his desire to work together with Pakistan for the promotion of regional stability and prosperity. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular contacts to strengthen bilateral ties and address issues of common concern.