Gen. Bajwa, Austin discuss defence ties

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and US Secretary of Defence General Lloyd James Austin had a telephonic conversation, said a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During the call, matters of mutual interests, regional stability as well as defence and security cooperation were discussed.
The Defence Secretary expressed his grief over the devastation caused by unprecedented floods in Pakistan and offered sincere condolence to the families of the victims. He offered full support to the people of Pakistan. He also appreciated Pakistan Army’s rescue and relief efforts in areas hit by flooding and pledged to play his role enhancing cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. In a separate meeting with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power lauded the army’s efforts for assisting civil administration and flood-affected populations in rescue and relief efforts in areas hit by recent floods.
ISPR said that during the meeting, matters of mutual interest and collaboration and partnership in humanitarian measures were discussed between the two officials.
“The administrator expressed grief over the devastation caused by ongoing floods in Pakistan and offered sincere condolence to the families of victims. She offered full support to the people of Pakistan,” said the ISPR.
On the other hand, the army chief thanked the US for the support and reiterated that assistance from Pakistan’s global partners will be vital in the rescue and rehabilitation of the victims. – ISPR