Islamabad: Chief of Army Staff of Nepal, General Rajendra Chhetri, called on Federal Minister for Defense, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan in his office at Ministry of Defense on Tuesday here at Rawalpindi. The minister warmly welcomed the dignitary and said that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Nepal and desires to further strengthen it. He also stressed that is defense collaboration there is considerable scope which needs to be realized. In this regard the Minister proposed signing of framework agreement to carry the forward the process. Federal Minister stated that Pakistan looks forward to further enhance cooperation with Nepal at bilateral as well as within the framework of regional and international organizations. He also highlighted that regional stability; security and peace are our common goals. During the meeting both sides expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to understand and support each other’s views on various International issues and stressed the need to improve bilateral defense ties and exchange of visits between the two countries. Both the sides stressed to make joint efforts to increase bilateral defense exchanges, promote institutionalized cooperation and deepen educational and training exchanges between the armed forces of two countries. The visiting dignitary said he is looking forward towards wide & deep relations with Pakistan in every field particularly in defense. Published in Daily Times, May 16th 2018.