Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Friday that Pakistan was keen to enhance bilateral ties with Russia and wanted to remain engaged with all regional players too.

He made these remarks in a meeting with Special Representative of President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov, who called on him at GHQ in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, current security situation in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation in various fields was discussed.

“Pakistan desires to maintain the tradition of bilateral engagement with all the regional players and wish for long term and enduring multi-domain relationship with Russia,” the ISPR quoted Gen Qamar as saying.

The COAS also reiterated the need for global convergence on Afghanistan for avoiding humanitarian crisis and coordinated efforts for economic uplift of the Afghan people.

The Russian envoy appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan situation, special efforts for border management, role in regional stability and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels, read the communiqué.

Meeting with Chinese diplomat

Separately, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, Special Envoy on Afghanistan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, also called on Gen Qamar at GHQ, according to the ISPR.

During the meeting matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including Afghanistan situation and measures to further enhance bilateral cooperation were discussed, said the military’s media wing.

Gen Qamar reiterated the need for convergence of efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan in pursuit of regional stability.

The Chinese envoy appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process, special efforts for border management, role in regional stability and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels, read the ISPR communiqué.