-Says Pakistan would always back ‘Afghan led-Afghan Owned’ peace process
-COAS, US Secretary of State hold telephonic talks
-US dignitary hails Pakistan’s continuous efforts for regional peace
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in a telephonic conservation with United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Wednesday said Pakistan would always support “Afghan led-Afghan Owned” Peace Process based on mutual consensus of all stakeholders.
During the conversation matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including latest developments in Afghan Peace Process and bilateral cooperation in various fields were came under discussion, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release.
The US dignitary also acknowledged Pakistan’s continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to further enhance bilateral relations between both countries.
President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021, 20 years to the day after al Qaeda’s attacks triggered America’s longest war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected to brief the decision to NATO allies in Brussels on Wednesday. Biden may also publicly announce his decision, Reuters reported citing sources.
Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ), in a statement of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to the ISPR, matters of mutual interest including enhanced defence and security cooperation, regional security, particularly the Afghan Peace Process were discussed during a meeting between the two sides. “The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements in the war against terrorism and contributions for regional peace and stability especially Pakistan’s sincere efforts in the Afghan Peace Process,” the army’s media wing said.
Sergey Lavrov expressed that Pakistan-Russia relations are on a positive trajectory and will continue to develop in multiple domains.
COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan values its relations with Russia and reciprocates the desire for enhanced bilateral military cooperation.
“Pakistan welcomes all initiatives which can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan as the whole region will benefit from it,” the army chief emphasized.–ISPR
