Army chief meets civil-military leadership in Australia

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa met on Wednesday with representatives of Australian civil and military leadership upon his official visit, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The ISPR said that the Army Chief held meetings with Senate's Committee for Foreign and Defence Affairs under Senator David Fawcett, Australian Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (accompanied by the Secretary Defence Mr Greg Moriarty) and Air Chief Air Marshal Gavin Davies.

The Army’s media cell said that the Australian civil and military leadership appreciated Pakistan's contributions and achievements in the war against terror and acknowledged sacrifices of the Pakistani nation and its army.

Gen Bajwa also had an interaction at Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Office of National Assessment, both of which advice the Australian government on several important policy issues.

The ISPR said the COAS visited Joint Operations and Planning Headquarters and Force Command headquarters during his official visit.

Gen Bajwa said that he was extremely humbled by the Australian goodwill for Pakistan and the desire to enhance bilateral relations.

The Army Chief said that the the improvement in bilateral ties will lead to broader bilateral cooperation in future especially in the fields of education and investment in regional connectivity and trade, according to the ISPR statement.