- Two sides discuss matters of mutual interest and regional security situation.
- COAS says Pakistan values UK’s role in global, regional affairs.
- Says “we look forward to enhancing our bilateral relationship.”
ISLAMABAD: British and European Union envoys met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday and assured full support and offered future cooperation.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner on Wednesday called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, a statement issued by Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Per the military’s media wing, during the meeting, matters of mutual interest and regional security situation, including the recent developments in Afghanistan, came under discussion.
The COAS said that Pakistan values UK’s role in global and regional affairs and “we look forward to enhancing our bilateral relationship.”
Per the statement, General Bajwa reiterated the need for global convergence on Afghanistan for avoiding humanitarian crisis and coordinated efforts for the economic uplift of the Afghan people.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan situation, efforts for regional stability and pledged to play their role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.
Separately, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has reiterated that Pakistan values its relations with the EU countries and earnestly looks forward to enhancing mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests.
The army chief said this during a meeting with Ambassador of European Union (EU) Androulla Kaminara who called on him at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation — including the current situation of Afghanistan — and bilateral cooperation with the EU were discussed, said the ISPR.
Speaking on the occasion, the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation and efforts for regional stability, and pledged on behalf of the EU that it will play its role for further improvements in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels, the ISPR said.
The meeting comes days after a four-member European Union Parliamentary Delegation for South Asia Relations visited Pakistan ahead of the EU reviewing its decision on the country’s GPS+ status in February.
GSP+ is a special trade arrangement offered to developing economies by European nations in return for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection and governance.
