Pakistan keen to expand military ties with Egypt, says CJCSC

RAWALPINDI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Nadeem Raza on Tuesday called on Egyptian President Gen Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and reiterated that Pakistan was keen to expand its bilateral military-to-military cooperation with Egypt.

Gen Raza, who is on an official visit to Egypt, called on el-Sisi, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release received here. The Egyptian President conveyed his feelings of high esteem for the Pakistan armed forces and said he valued brotherly relations between both the countries.

The dignitaries lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Matters of bilateral military cooperation, including security, counterterrorism and the prevailing regional environment were discussed during the meetings.

Gen Raza also had separate meetings with Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian armed forces and Chief of the Tri-services Gen Mohamed Ahmed Zaki.

The CJCSC led the second round of defence and security talks. Gen Raza highlighted the positive role of Pakistan in countering violent extremism, regional stability, connectivity and its impact on the region and beyond. Gen Raza also shared Pakistan’s contributions and efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Earlier upon his arrival at the Ministry of Defence, Gen Raza was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the Egyptian armed forces.