ISLAMABAD: Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif has been awarded the prestigious ‘Order of Merit’ by the Brazilian government in recognition of his leadership role in fighting terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability.

Commander of Brazilian Army Eduardo Dias da Costa Villas Bôas presented the award to Gen Sharif at a special ceremony in Brasília.

The army chief is on a three-day visit to Brazil.

The citation of the award reads: “Order of Merit is being given to General Raheel Sharif for displaying remarkable courage to deal with the menace of terrorism, successfully leading the army in the face of multiple threats, giving hope to his nation against dismay/despondency and above all for his great efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.”

The award also said: “General Raheel Sharif through his undaunting resolve, unflinching sincerity and impeccable professional commitment has become a leading figure in the world. His contribution to promote exemplary ties between Pakistan and Brazil in general and the two armies in particular are enormous and unprecedented.”

Gen Sharif is the first Asian to receive the Brazilian military award. Other foreign commanders and leaders, who have previously received the award include former US President Deight Eisenhower, Chairman of the Joint US-Brazil defence commission in World War-II US Gen James Garesche, former four-star General of US Marine Corps Lamuel Shepherd Jr, former CIA director Walter Bedell Smith and former Chief of Staff of the US Army Raymond T. Odierno.

Brazil and Pakistan have been trying for the past few years to expand their defence cooperation.

Brazil, which has a well-developed defence industry, has been looking for new buyers for the military hardware it produces, while Pakistan is trying to diversify sources of its procurements.

The only noteworthy defence deal done by the two countries in 2008 was for the purchase of 100 Mectron MAR-1 anti-radiation missiles, which were to be used on its Mirage and JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.

Pakistan, military sources say, is considering procuring some other equipment required by the army.

Brazil too may be interested in some of the products of Pakistan’s defence industries.

Gen Sharif also met Brazil’s Defence Minister Aldo Rebelo. They discussed the state of bilateral relations, common security challenges, military spokesman Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted, adding that the prospects of enhanced coordination, and forging strategic relations were also explored.

Gen Sharif also offered security assistance for Brazil Olympics 2016.

The army chief had earlier called on Brazilian Joint Staff of the Armed Forces Army General José Carlos De Nardi.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2015