Gen Bajwa, US Centcom discuss regional security situation, stability in meeting at GHQ

Published August 18, 2022
US Central Command (Centcom) Commander Michael E. Kurilla and Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa — Photo: AFP/File
US Central Command (Centcom) Commander Michael E. Kurilla and Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa — Photo: AFP/File

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday met US Central Command (Centcom) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla at the Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) and discussed matters of mutual interest.

According to a statement by the military's media wing, the Centcom commander had a one-on-one meeting with the army chief.

"Matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, and stability, defence and security cooperation particularly military to military ties were discussed during the meeting," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

It stated that the one-on-one call was followed by a delegation-level meeting in which Pakistan Army’s counter-terrorism efforts and significant contributions toward regional peace and stability were discussed.

The Pakistan-US military training exchange programme also came under discussion.

"The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan Army’s commendable efforts in the fight against terrorism, counter-terrorism experiences, and efforts for regional peace and stability," the ISPR said, adding the visiting dignitary also visited Army Museum and took a keen interest in various historical enclosures.

Earlier, diplomatic sources told Dawn that the United States and Pakistani officials were considering various options army chief's visit to the United States in late August or early September.

Last month, Gen Bajwa had also reached out to Washington to request help in securing an early disbursement of funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He spoke with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and later a State Department official rejected media speculations that the call was linked to the current political situation in Pakistan.

Later, Gen Bajwa also spoke with Commander US Centcom Gen Michael Erik Kurilla and, according to an official statement, the two discussed “matters of mutual interests, regional stability as well as defence and security cooperation in detail.”

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.