- The COAS reiterates the importance of joint efforts to promote peace.
- Lieutenant General Hassan praises the professionalism of the Pakistan Army.
- Both sides are exploring new avenues to strengthen military ties.
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Bangladesh Armed Forces Division Lt General SM Kamr-ul -Hassan, on Tuesday stressed the importance of a stronger defense relationship, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. said in a statement Tuesday.
During their meeting at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, both sides emphasized that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations must remain resilient to external influences, according to a statement issued by the Army’s Media Affairs Wing.
The ISPR said the two sides held in-depth discussions on the evolving security dynamics in the region and explored other avenues to strengthen bilateral military cooperation.
The COAS reiterated the importance of joint efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and the wider region, while ensuring that both countries continue to contribute to regional security through security initiatives. collaborative defense.
Lieutenant General Hassan lauded the exceptional professionalism of the Pakistan Army and recognized the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces in their relentless fight against terrorism, noting that their efforts stood as a beacon of courage and determination.
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh took a new turn after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who enjoyed cordial relations with India, was ousted from office last year. Hasina, 77, fled the August 2024 revolution to take refuge in India.
Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi frayed after a student-led revolution toppled Hasina, who enjoyed India’s support and now lives in exile.
Last month, Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus said he had “agreed to strengthen ties” with Pakistan after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of a conference in Egypt.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said he had a “warm and cordial exchange” with Yunus.
“Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral collaboration,” he said on the X social media platform.
The two “agreed to strengthen relations between the two countries through increased trade and exchanges of sports and cultural delegations,” according to a statement from Yunus’ office.
In November, the first cargo ship in decades to sail directly from Pakistan to Bangladesh successfully unloaded its containers at the Chittagong port.
The leaders were attending the Cairo summit of eight predominantly Muslim countries, the D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization.