ISLAMABAD: The three-day Pakistan-UK Regional Stabilisation Conference is under way at the National Defence University, where both countries are exchanging insights on the global and regional environment.

The conference, which aims to address key issues impacting nati­onal security as well as regional peace and stability with experts from both countries sharing their expertise and strategies, began on Tuesday.

Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and UK Chief of General Staff Gen Sir Patrick Sanders inaugurated the conference, heralded as the flagship bilateral defence and security dialogue, which alternates between Pakistan and the UK.

The participation of CGS designate of UK Gen Sir Roland Walker reflected the importance the two countries attach to this dialogue. A 30-member UK delegation led by Major General Tom Bateman, Standing Joint Force Commander, is participating in the conference, the ISPR said.

“During the Confe­rence, delegations from both sides will exch­ange perspectives on global and regional environment and its impact on national security, and, regional peace and stability,” according to a media statement on the conference.

This year, the discussions at the dialogue have broadened from bilateral to regional issues, with defence officials from both countries and the surrounding area participating in the conference.

Meanwhile, Gen Munir met both Gen Sanders and Gen Walker.

“Both sides discussed matters of professional interest and measures to further elevate bilateral defence relations,” the ISPR said.

Gen Munir praised outgoing CGS Gen Sanders for his contributions to enhancing bilateral military ties and felicitated CGS designate Gen Walker on his appointment.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2024