RAWALPINDI — Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Egypt on an official visit Monday, where he called on General Mohamed Zaki, Commander in Chief of Egyptian Armed Forces and Minister of Defence & Military Production and Lieutenant General Mohamed Farid Hegazy, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two military bigwigs discussed matters of mutual interest, military and defence relations and security cooperation. The Egyptian leadership highly appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Army and the determination of the Pakistani nation in combating terrorism.
Both the sides agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in multiple fields including joint ventures, defence production, training and intelligence. They also agreed to improve cooperation for regional peace and stability, the ISPR statement added.
The military chief also met Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar. Grand Sheikh commended the efforts of Pakistan Army in eliminating the scourge of terrorism from the country. He also appreciated issuance of ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ fatwa on the issues arising from extremism by religious scholars of all schools of thoughts in Pakistan.
Adding that Islam is a religion of moderation and a complete code of conduct and must not be linked with terrorism/extremism in the global community, COAS Bajwa also emphasised the need to harness Muslim youth towards enlightenment, technological advancement, moderation and harmony.
Earlier, on his arrival, General Bajwa was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Egyptian Army at the Ministry of Defence.
