Army chief discusses regional security, Afghan situation with EU officials during Belgium visit

Published February 18, 2022
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa (L) meets Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino. — Photo via DG ISPR Twitter
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa (L) meets Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino. — Photo via DG ISPR Twitter

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed regional security, including the situation in Afghanistan, as well as bilateral relations in meetings with European Union (EU) officials, the military's media wing said in a statement on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Bajwa is on an official visit to Belgium during which he met Secretary General of the European External Action Services (EEAS) Stefano Sannino and Chairman of the EU Military Committee Claudio Graziano.

During his meetings with the officials, the army chief discussed matters of mutual interest, the security situation in the region and bilateral relations, the statement added.

Gen Bajwa said Pakistan valued its relationship with EU countries and looked forward to enhance mutual cooperation based on common interests.

In turn, the EU officials appreciated "Pakistan's sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to play their role for increased collaboration with Pakistan at all levels", the ISPR statement said.

The army chief had spoken to Graziano on call last year to discuss key issues.

Gen Bajwa has previously said that Pakistan desires strong ties with the European Union.

Talking to Ambassador of European Union Androulla Kaminara, who called on him at the General Headquarters, Gen Bajwa, according to the ISPR, said: "Pakistan values its relations with EU and earnestly looks forward to enhancing mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests."

Opinion

Editorial

The Peca problem
Updated 15 Feb, 2025

The Peca problem

The fight for fundamental freedoms is not the media’s alone, but one that concerns every citizen.
Miners in danger
15 Feb, 2025

Miners in danger

YESTERDAY’S devastating terrorist attack in Harnai, which killed at least 11 coal miners and injured seven others,...
Solar panels scam
15 Feb, 2025

Solar panels scam

THE scam involving over-invoicing to the tune of more than Rs69bn in the import of solar panels raises many ...
Dangerous times
Updated 14 Feb, 2025

Dangerous times

Pakistan accounted for six journalist killings in 2024, of which three were deliberately murdered, according to the CPJ.
Difficult target
14 Feb, 2025

Difficult target

A ONE-two punch delivered by an unforeseen, sharp dip in inflation and an extremely slim base of taxpayers is...
Amazing show
14 Feb, 2025

Amazing show

PAKISTAN’S ability to turn it up at the flick of a switch remains uninhibited. The latest show came in...