General Syed Asim Munir, Army Chief of Staff (COAS), held individual meetings with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang.
The foreign Ministers Gang and Muttaqi are in Pakistan for a two-day visit, attending the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue.
In a meeting between General Munir and Foreign Minister Gang, topics of mutual interest, such as regional security and defense collaboration, were discussed, as stated in an ISPR press release.
According to the statement, the COAS also strongly supported the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
As reported by the statement, the army chief praised Beijing’s unwavering backing for Islamabad on regional and international matters.
The ISPR also noted that Foreign Minister Qin Gang highlighted the importance of the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the CPEC, reaffirming China’s commitment to its timely completion.
The Chinese foreign minister lauded Pakistan’s contributions to maintaining regional peace and stability, especially the support of Pakistan’s armed forces in securing Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.
The two dignitaries also discussed the shifting security landscape in the region. The joint chiefs of staff chairman recognized China’s role in fostering regional peace and stability. Both parties agreed to enhance their existing collaboration in defense and security to address shared security threats effectively.
The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to strengthen further the enduring, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China, as noted by the ISPR.
During his meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the army chief addressed matters of mutual interest, including regional security, border management, and establishing bilateral security mechanisms to improve the current security climate reported by the ISPR.
The press release also noted that the COAS emphasized the necessity for increased cooperation between the two friendly neighbors to combat shared threats of terrorism and extremism effectively.
The statement added that the army chief reiterated the need for the Afghan interim government’s full support and commitment in matters of mutual interest.
“Foreign Minister Muttaqi appreciated Pakistan’s traditional support for the Afghan people and recognized the crucial role that Pakistan continues to play in facilitating peace and development in Afghanistan,” said the military’s media arm.
Furthermore, the Afghan acting foreign minister intended to work closely with Pakistan to foster regional stability and prosperity.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of maintaining regular contact to strengthen bilateral relations and address common concerns, as reported by the ISPR.
The COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to a stable, peaceful, prosperous Afghanistan.
