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ISLAMABAD: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, spoke about Pakistan’s COVID-19 response and polio vaccination campaigns.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Qamar Javed Bajwa termed the fight against the crippling disease and the COVID-19 “national cause”.
The Army chief also lauded the efforts of polio workers, saying that they cannot declare victory until complete eradication of polio from the country. He said, “We will call it a success when no child is affected in Pakistan.”
Bill Gates conveyed his appreciation for Pakistan Army for supporting national polio drive and ensuring proper reach and coverage of polio campaigns this year, particularly through involvement of community leaders and influencers.
Separately, Russian ambassador also called on Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest including Afghan peace process.
General Qamar told the Russian envoy that peace in Afghanistan is a common goal. “Both reiterated mutual efforts towards achieving the goal. He also said that Pakistan values its relations with Russia and hoped for furthering military-to-military relations between the two countries,” the military’s media wing said.
The COAS appreciated recent visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavro to Pakistan and hoped for further diplomatic engagements at higher level.
The Russian ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan reconciliation. “Both reiterated the commitment to enhance Pak-Russia bilateral relationship,” the communiqué read.
