RAWALPINDI; The British Army’s Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Charles Roland Vincent Walker, met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral defence ties and enhance regional security cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two military leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, and steps to further enhance defence collaboration between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to continued cooperation for regional peace and stability. General Walker lauded the Pakistan Army’s achievements and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and its contributions to regional peace.
Upon his arrival, General Walker laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada to pay homage to Pakistan’s martyrs and was presented with a guard of honour.
The meeting followed COAS Munir’s recent visit to Egypt, where he held discussions with top Egyptian defence officials. Earlier this year, COAS Munir had also met Gen Walker during his official visit to the UK, where he delivered a keynote address at the 7th Regional Stabilisation Conference at Sandhurst and held talks with senior British officials on defence and security cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza held meetings with Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and senior civil-military officials to expand military cooperation and strengthen defence ties.
According to ISPR, General Shamshad met Brunei’s Minister of Defence-II, Major General (Retd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan.
Both sides discussed the regional and global security environment and expressed commitment to deeper military-to-military cooperation. The CJCSC also visited the Muara Naval Base and the Defence Academy of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, where he delivered a lecture on Pakistan’s role in regional peace and stability.
The Sultan and Brunei’s leadership appreciated Pakistan’s armed forces for their professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
General Sahir’s visit came shortly after his trip to Bangladesh, where he met with senior military leaders to review the progress of growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
