RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan will keep on working towards a mutual regional framework.
COAS Bajwa said this in a meeting with Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan – a first by a Russian foreign minister since 2012
During the meeting at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistan welcomes all initiatives which can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan as the whole region will benefit from it, according to the Inter-Service Public Relations.
“We have no hostile designs towards any country and will keep on working towards a cooperative regional framework based on sovereign equality and mutual progress,” COAS Bajwa was quoted by the ISPR as conveying to the visiting dignitary.
The army chief apprised FM Lavrov that Pakistan values its relations with Russia and reciprocates the desire for enhanced bilateral military cooperation.
The military’s media wing said matters of mutual interest including enhanced defence and security cooperation, regional security particularly the Afghan peace process came under discussion.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan while appreciating Russia’s efforts for supporting the Afghan peace process has stressed the need for a peaceful political settlement of the Afghan conflict.
Prime Minister Imran Khan was talking to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday.
On this occasion, PM Imran said that resolution of conflict in Afghanistan is essential for upholding peace in the region. “Russia’s move to hosting the recent meeting of Extended Troika in Moscow is an important step in this regard,” he added.
Pakistan attaches significance to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority, the prime minister maintained. The PM also expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, including security, defense and trade.
The premier also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expeditiously conclude the requisite legal process for the Pakistan Stream (North-South) Gas Pipeline project and commence the work as soon as possible.
He congratulated Russia on its development of the Sputnik-V vaccine and underscored Pakistan’s procurement plans in this regard. Regarding the Kashmir issue, the premier highlighted the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
