-Reaffirms supports to Afghan peace process
-Says stable Afghanistan is vital for regional stability
-Expresses hope for greater Pak-US bilateral cooperation
-US Charge d’Affairs calls on COAS
Rawalpindi: Mrs Angela Ageler, US Charge d’ Affairs to Pakistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), today, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and overall regional security situation including recent developments in Afghan Peace Process were discussed in detail. COAS welcomed President Biden’s announcement of withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan by September 2021. He further reiterated that a prosperous, stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan in particular and region in general. COAS also hoped for greater Pak-US bilateral cooperation in all domains in future.
Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan Peace Process and also assured of US continued assistance for the common cause of peace in Afghanistan.
Earlier Yesterday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a telephone conversation on Wednesday.
During the conversation, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including latest developments in the Afghan peace process and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
COAS said that Pakistan will always support “Afghan led-Afghan Owned” Peace Process based on mutual consensus of all stakeholders. 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 this week, 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.
He further stressed that Pakistan has no hostile designs towards any country and would keep on working towards a cooperative regional framework based on sovereign equality and mutual progress.
It is pertinent to mention here that Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, arrived in Islamabad here on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received his Russian counterpart and his delegation at the Islamabad airport.
Lavrov’s visit to Pakistan is the first by a Russian foreign minister in nine years.–ISPR
