Commander Iraqi Navy calls on COAS, discusses promotion of bilateral ties in defense

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”.