-Discusses mutual interests with Russian Envoy
RAWALPINDI: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) had a telephone conversation on Thursday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations, the call was in the backdrop of polio eradication drive in Pakistan. Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan Army’s help in enabling the campaign through provision of security, monitoring and bridging of capacity gaps, according to the media wing of Pakistan’s Army.
COAS said that it was a national cause and national effort. He said that we will only call it a success when no child is affected by Polio anymore in Pakistan.
Mr. Gates conveyed his special appreciation for Pakistan Army for supporting national polio drive and ensuring proper reach and coverage of polio campaigns this year, particularly through involvement of community leaders and influencers.
COAS said credit goes to the grass roots workers including mobile polio teams, Law Enforcement Agencies and health representatives, while, appreciated untiring efforts of Mr. Bill Gates and his foundation towards the noble cause of Polio eradication at global level and assured him of continued support.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr Danila V. Ganich, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ.
During the meeting matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, enhanced bilateral & defence cooperation and Afghan Peace Process were discussed. COAS said that Peace in Afghanistan is a common goal. Both reiterated mutual efforts towards achieving the goal. He also said that Pakistan values its relations with Russia and hoped for furthering military to military relations between the two countries.
COAS appreciated recent visit of Mr Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister to Pakistan and hoped for further diplomatic engagements at higher level. The Russian Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan Peace Process. Both reiterated the commitment to enhance Pak-Russia bilateral relationship.–ISPR
