Daily Times

CANBERRA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that while Pakistan will continue to support all peace efforts, it expects that its security concerns will also be addressed.

“We will continue to support peace efforts in region but our security concerns must also be addressed,” the COAS told Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister Marise Payne AR at the Australian Parliament House.

The army chief is in Australia on two-day official visit on the invitation of Australian army chief.

Upon arrival at the Defence Forces Headquarters in Canberra, Gen Bajwa was given a tri-service guard of honour. The COAS called on Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Angus J Campbell and Naval Chief Vice Admiral Timothy Barrett, says a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.

During these meetings with Australian military and civilian leadership, the COAS highlighted regional security situation and Pakistan Army s contributions towards peace and stability. He said that Pakistan has improved security situation and is playing a key role in the regional economy.

The Australian leadership appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and expressed commitment to further improve bilateral collaboration in defence and security fields.

The army chief said enhanced defence ties between Pakistan and Australia will help boost bilateral cooperation. Gen Bajwa visited the Australian Joint Operations and Planning Headquarters and Force Command Headquarters.

Published in Daily Times, September 14^th 2017.