Field marshal, Egypt president discuss strategic ties

Stress coordination on matters of mutual interest

RAWALPINDI:

Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday stressed the need for further coordination between the two countries on matters of mutual strategic interest.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief held a meeting with the Egyptian president at the Itihadia Presidential Palace in Cairo.

"COAS commended the Egyptian leadership for key role in the region's peace and stability, while President el-Sisi expressed appreciation for Pakistan's positive and proactive contributions to matters of importance for the world and Muslim ummah. Both leaders underlined the importance of coordination on matters of mutual strategic interests and strengthening people-to-people contacts," the ISPR said.

It added that both exchanged views on bilateral relations and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Egypt.

"The meeting further acknowledged the shared history of friendly ties and the mutual desire to further broaden cooperation in all domains especially socio-economic engagement, technology and security matters."

"The meeting concluded on a warm note, with both parties expressing confidence that the strengthened economic and security dialogue would contribute significantly to peace, stability and security in Pakistan, Egypt and the wider region," the ISPR said.

The army chief reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to improved defence and military cooperation with Egypt in a meeting with its defence officials a day ago.

The army chief also visited and laid a floral wreath on the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and the grave of former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.

During the visit, Field Marshal Munir also met the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayab.