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Saturday, June 15, 2013
Fight against terrorism : EU military chief acknowledges Pak Army commitment* General Rousiers says there is great potential to strengthen
relationship between Pakistan and EURAWALPINDI: European Union (EU) Military Committee Chairman General Patrick de Rousiers on Friday acknowledged the level of activity and commitment of Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism.
General Rousiers made the admission in a meeting with Defence Secretary Lt Gen (r) Asif Yasin Malik. He said that there was great potential which needs to be explored which will strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and EU. Speaking on the occasion, the defence secretary said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with European Union (EU). “We have common values and wide-ranging areas of cooperation,” Malik said.
He stressed that regional stability, peace and security are our common goals and added that Pakistan is committed to achieving peace and all related goals. He also highlighted the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani armed forces in the war on terror. Malik appreciated the support of EU in the uplift and rehabilitation projects being carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. General Rousiers earlier met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during his first visit to Pakistan.
The visitor was briefed on Pakistan’s contribution to the fight against terrorism with special reference to the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation. He was also briefed about enduring participation of Pakistani troops in UN Missions, world over. General Rousiers also attended a wreath laying ceremony at Shuhada Monument and was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army.
General Rousiers also called on Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Chairman General Khalid Shameem Wynne. According to an ISPR press release, he remained with General Wynne for some time and discussed matters related to mutual interests. Relations between Pakistan and EU are moving in the right direction, as EU hosted the first bilateral Pak-EU staff talks this year in Brussels. Both Pakistan and EU expressed hope that the talks would pave way for future cooperation between the two countries. General Patrick visited the Ministry of Defence along with his delegation where he was greeted warmly by the defence secretary. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk