ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief is in Egypt where he held meetings with top defense and military officials to enhance bilateral military cooperation, Pakistani military’s media wing said on Thursday, with talks between both sides focusing on regional security and matters of mutual interest.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Egypt’s Minister of Defense General Abdul Maged Sagar and the chief of staff of the country’s armed forces, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa Fatehi, during his visit, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The Pakistani army chief described Egypt as a brotherly country, adding that cooperation between both states would not only benefit their people will also lead to peace and stability in the region.
“The visit is aimed at enhancing military cooperation and defense collaboration between the two brotherly countries,” the ISPR said.
Munir was presented with the guard of honor when he arrived at the Ministry of Defense in Egypt, the military’s media wing said. He also laid a floral wreath at the ‘Memorial of Unknown Soldier’ and the grave of former Egyptian president Mohamed Anwar Al Sadat.
The Pakistani army chief also met Sheikh Ahmed El Tayab, the grand imam of the Al Azhar institute, during which the imam shared his views on the challenges faced by the Muslim world.
“The COAS highlighted the need to eradicate extremist ideologies and contorted interpretations of Islam,” the ISPR concluded.
Pakistan and Egypt have cordial ties and both countries have resolved in recent years to facilitate businessmen with visas, exchange trade-related information and promote private-sector contacts.
Military and defense officials of the two countries regularly hold meetings to review the regional security situation. Pakistan’s chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, visited Egypt in July this year for the third round of defense and security talks between the two countries.
In July also, senior officials from both countries discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security and farming, with Islamabad expressing interest in learning from Cairo’s successful experiences in these areas.
