Gen Bajwa, US Centcom discuss regional security situation, stability in meeting at GHQ

Published August 18, 2022
US Central Command (Centcom) Commander Michael E. Kurilla and Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa — Photo: AFP/File
US Central Command (Centcom) Commander Michael E. Kurilla and Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa — Photo: AFP/File

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday met US Central Command (Centcom) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla at the Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) and discussed matters of mutual interest.

According to a statement by the military's media wing, the Centcom commander had a one-on-one meeting with the army chief.

"Matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, and stability, defence and security cooperation particularly military to military ties were discussed during the meeting," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

It stated that the one-on-one call was followed by a delegation-level meeting in which Pakistan Army’s counter-terrorism efforts and significant contributions toward regional peace and stability were discussed.

The Pakistan-US military training exchange programme also came under discussion.

"The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan Army’s commendable efforts in the fight against terrorism, counter-terrorism experiences, and efforts for regional peace and stability," the ISPR said, adding the visiting dignitary also visited Army Museum and took a keen interest in various historical enclosures.

Earlier, diplomatic sources told Dawn that the United States and Pakistani officials were considering various options army chief's visit to the United States in late August or early September.

Last month, Gen Bajwa had also reached out to Washington to request help in securing an early disbursement of funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He spoke with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and later a State Department official rejected media speculations that the call was linked to the current political situation in Pakistan.

Later, Gen Bajwa also spoke with Commander US Centcom Gen Michael Erik Kurilla and, according to an official statement, the two discussed “matters of mutual interests, regional stability as well as defence and security cooperation in detail.”

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
13 Nov, 2024

United stance

BEYOND rhetoric, unity is rare within the Muslim world. Yet it was reassuring to see Muslim states speak with one...
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....