Gen Asim Munir stresses need for cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to tackle terrorism and extremism

Qin Gang, China’s state councillor and foreign minister, also in Pakistan for the trilateral meetings also meets COAS Asim Munir

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir has stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to “effectively tackle the common challenges of terrorism and extremism”.

In a meeting with acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is currently in Pakistan on a four-day visit to participate in bilateral as well as trilateral meetings, which also includes China, called on the army chief at his office, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) late on Saturday.

Since its launch in 2017, the trilateral dialogue mechanism has become an important platform to enhance understanding and deepen mutual trust and cooperation among the three countries.

The ISPR statement said the Afghan foreign minister and Pakistan’s chief of the army staff discussed issues of mutual interest, including aspects related to regional security, border management and formalization of bilateral security mechanisms for “improvement in the current security environment”.

“COAS stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between the two brotherly neighbours to effectively tackle the common challenges of terrorism and extremism. He reiterated the need for full support and commitment from the Afghan interim government in matters of mutual interest,” the ISPR said, adding that the COAS also reaffirmed “Pakistan’s commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan”.

The statement added that the Afghan minister appreciated Pakistan’s support for the people of Afghanistan and acknowledged the “important role that Pakistan continues to play in facilitating peace and development in Afghanistan”.

Muttaqi also expressed his desire to work closely with Pakistan to promote regional stability and prosperity, it added.

Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular contact to strengthen bilateral ties and address issues of common concern.

COAS meets Chinese FM

Separately, COAS Munir also met with Qin Gang, China’s state councillor and foreign minister, who is also in Pakistan alongside the Afghan minister.

“Matters of mutual interest, including regional security and defence cooperation, came under discussion,” the ISPR said.

During the meeting, the army chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan strategic relationship. COAS Asim Munir also pledged full support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and appreciated Beijing’s unwavering support for Pakistan on regional and international issues, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese minister underscored the importance of the longstanding strategic relationship between the two countries and expressed satisfaction over CPEC’s progress while reiterating his country’s commitment to its timely completion.

“He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability, especially the support of Pakistan’s armed forces for the provision of security to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan,” the ISPR said.

The two dignitaries also discussed the evolving security situation in the region.

he army chief acknowledged China’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, and both sides agreed to enhance their existing cooperation in defence and security domains to effectively counter common security challenges, the statement said. “The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reiterating their resolve to further strengthen the time-tested, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China,” the ISPR said. – Agencies