UK acknowledges Pakistan's extraordinary achievements in counter terrorism

LONDON: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa met UK Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Sir Nicholson Carter to discuss regional security environment and matters of mutual interest. 

Gen Bajwa was presented a guard of honour upon his arrival, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR).

The meeting between the top military officials of the two countries was followed by delegation level talks on security environment and cooperation.

Later, Gen Bajwa called on UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson, Prime Minister’s special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SREP) Gareth Bayley and National Security Adviser Mark Sedwill.

“During the meetings evolving regional security environment and matters of mutual interest were discussed. British leadership was unanimous in acknowledging Pakistan’s extraordinary achievements in Counter Terrorism and commended the improved security situation in Pakistan and its positive efforts towards regional peace,” the statement read.

In his remarks, Gen Bajwa said Pakistan is moving steadily towards enhanced stability and is ready to take Pakistan-UK bilateral security relationship to the next level for mutual benefit and in other fields of common interests.

“The discussions ranged from the bilateral bond created by sizeable Pakistan diaspora in Britain as well as shared interests in evolving global geo-political and geo-economic environment,” the military’s media wing further said.