Army Chief Emphasises 'Enhanced Cooperation' With Afghanistan To Eradicate Terrorism

Army Chief Emphasises 'Enhanced Cooperation' With Afghanistan To Eradicate Terrorism
In a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir emphasized the necessity for improved cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in order to "effectively" address the shared problems of terrorism and extremism.

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), it was revealed that the Afghan foreign minister, who is now on a four-day visit to Pakistan, met with the army chief in Rawalpindi.

The two discussed issues of mutual interest, including aspects related to regional security, border management, and the formalization of bilateral security mechanisms for improvement in the current security environment.

According to the ISPR, besides discussing bilateral issues, COAS General Asim Munir also reiterated the need for full support and commitment from the interim Afghan government in matters of mutual interest.

The Afghan foreign minister also praised Pakistan for its historical assistance to the Afghan people and recognized the crucial role that the country continues to play in promoting stability and development in Afghanistan. He also stated that he wanted to collaborate closely with Pakistan to advance peace and prosperity in the region.

During the meeting, both sides recognized the value of keeping in touch on a regular basis to develop their relationship and discuss matters of mutual interest.

Separately, the army chief met with Qin Gang, a member of the Chinese State Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi to discuss issues of mutual concern, such as regional security and defense cooperation.

In the meeting, COAS Gen. Munir underlined Pakistan's dedication to the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, a crucial element of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also received his full backing.

Gen. Munir also praised China for its steadfast support of Pakistan in regional and global affairs.

The Chinese minister also expressed his happiness with the CPEC's progress and reiterated China's commitment to the project's on-time completion while highlighting the significance of the long-standing strategic relationship between the two brotherly countries.

He also praised Pakistan's efforts to uphold regional stability and peace, particularly the Pakistani Armed Forces' assistance in providing security to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.