Asif holds talks with SCO counterparts

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif held meetings with the defence ministers of the friendly countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kazakhstan and discussed with them issues of bilateral defence cooperation.

Asif is leading Pakistan delegation to the annual meeting of the SCO defence ministers. The meeting reviewed the regional security issues, including the defence cooperation initiatives, a news release said.

Various areas of mutual interest including respective regional security, counter terrorism, Afghanistan situation and review of national security priorities, extremist threats, border management and maritime security were also discussed.

Asif stated that Pakistan was deeply concerned about the escalating situation in Gaza. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the SCO platform. “[We] are fully committed to further deepening and expanding this association,” Asif told the annual meeting.