Rawalpindi: Commander Iraqi Navy Lieutenant General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah Al Zayid called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ on Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the both discussed the promotion of bilateral cooperation in the field of defense.

Besides regional security situation and defense issues, issues of mutual interest and promotion of bilateral cooperation in the field of defense were also discussed.

Gen Bajwa said Pakistan valued fraternal relations with Iraq and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Iraqi nation in the war against terrorism.

Commander Iraqi Navy Lieutenant General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah Al Zayid also called on Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

During the meeting, both the dignitaries discussed matters of professional and mutual interest, a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) news release said.

While appreciating professionalism of Pakistan Air Force, Lieutenant General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah Al Zayid acknowledged PAF’s rising indigenous capacity in aviation industry.

The Air Chief said that Pakistan and Iraq have longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which were manifested through strong military ties between the two countries.

The Air Chief further said, “Pakistan values its deep-rooted relations with Iraq, which are based on convergence on all important issues relating to operations & training, evolving paradigm of warfare, emerging technological challenges, counter security measures and regional peace & stability”.

New York: The United Nations said its team in Pakistan is stepping up efforts to assist millions of people impacted by the recent devastating floods in the country.

This was stated by Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric while responding to a question at the regular briefing in New York.

He said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Julien Harneis, who is leading the efforts, visited the flooded areas last week and met with officials and affected people.

The spokesperson said in addition to the UN’s rapid needs assessment, the World Food Programme is providing cash to affected communities, along with mother and child nutrition, medicines, mosquito nets and blankets.

American great Serena Williams said on Tuesday she was "evolving away from tennis" and planned to retire from the sport she dominated with 23 Grand Slam titles following the US Open tournament, which begins later this month.