Tashkent, Uzbekistan: The head of ground forces of Pakistan (known as COAS in Pakistan) discussed issues of regional security including Afghanistan situation with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev here on Friday.
COAS of Pakistan Lieutenant-General Kamar (Qamar) Javed Bajwa who is visiting Uzbekistan to attend join armed exercises of Pakistan and Uzbekistan armies held meeting along with his commanders with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and they discussed the prospects for cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, topical aspects of countering modern challenges and threats to security and stability in the region, as well as the peaceful settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.
According to an official statement issued by the Presidential office on Friday evening, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, received the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan led by the Commander of the Land Forces of this country, Lieutenant-General Kamar (Qamar) Javed Bajwa. Welcoming the guest, the Head of our state (Uzbekistan) stressed that this meeting is (was) another evidence of dynamically developing multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, based on the principles of friendship, partnership and mutual support, as well as the common history and religion, the closeness of traditions and spiritual values .
The intensification of political contacts at various levels was underlined. Trade and economic cooperation expanded: mutual trade is growing, companies and entrepreneurs of the two countries are preparing and implementing joint projects in the field of agricultural machinery, pharmaceutical, textile, leather, food and other industries. The Uzbek-Pakistani Business Council began its work.
Cultural-humanitarian and tourist exchanges are developing, including within the framework of the pilgrimage tourism program to our country. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the political, trade-economic, investment, transport-communication and other fields.
The prospects for cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, topical aspects of countering modern challenges and threats to security and stability in the region, as well as the peaceful settlement of the situation in Afghanistan were discussed.
General Bajwa expressed deep gratitude to the Head of our state for the warm welcome and conveyed sincere greetings on behalf of the President of Pakistan Mamnun Hussein.
He highly appreciated the reforms being carried out by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to modernize the Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s defense capability.
The full support of practical results of the International Conference on Afghanistan, held in Tashkent in March this year, was expressed.
At the end of the meeting, the Commander of the Pakistani Land Force reaffirmed the readiness of the Pakistani side to further expand and strengthen full-scale cooperation.
 Islamabad Bureau adds:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Uzbekistan on official visit. COAS met President of Uzbekistan, Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev .
The Uzbek President appreciated Pakistan’s achievements in fight against terrorism and said that the world needs to recognise Pakistan’s contributions for regional and global peace.
COAS also met Foreign Minister and Secretary of National security Council of Uzbekistan. Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral security cooperation and continue efforts which bring peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, on arrival, COAS was received by Uzbek Defence Minister, Major General Abdusalom Azizov and Chief of General Staff Major General Pavel Ergashev
