Amid growing ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, senior military leaders from Pakistan and Bangladesh held a high-level meeting in Rawalpindi this week, according to reports.
Lt Gen S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, principal staff officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, arrived in Pakistan this week and met the country’s senior military commanders, including Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir.
Pakistani publication Dawn reported both sides agreed to enhance defence cooperation and collaborate on promoting regional peace and stability. The militaries referred to one another as "two brotherly nations" united in resisting "external influences".
According to the Dawn report which cited a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the Pakistani military, issues regarding emerging security challenges and enhancing bilateral military cooperation were also discussed. "The COAS and the PSO underscored the importance of a stronger defence relationship, emphasising that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations must remain resilient against external influences," the ISPR stated as quoted by Dawn.
According to the report, COAS Munir reiterated the significance of joint efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and the broader region.
The Bangladeshi military official also praised the Pakistan Army’s “exceptional professionalism” and acknowledged the “immense sacrifices” made by the armed forces in the fight against terrorism, noting that their efforts served as a “beacon of courage and determination”.
The ISPR said Gen Hassan also earlier met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at the Joint Staff Headquarters.
It said their discussions focused on matters of mutual strategic interest and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
“Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening military ties and reaffirmed their commitment to insulating this partnership from any external disruptions,” the ISPR said, adding that the two agreed on the “critical need for continued collaboration” in promoting regional peace, security and stability.
The CJCSC reiterated that both countries shared a “common vision for a secure and prosperous future”, underpinned by robust defence cooperation.
Once part of a single country, the two nations split after a bloody civil war, during which 'East Pakistan' seceded to form Bangladesh.
Since the separation, Dhaka, especially under Sheikh Hasina, maintained a strong alliance with India, fostering close ties with New Delhi while keeping Islamabad at a distance.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to visit Dhaka in the beginning of February to further consolidate the relations between the two countries.
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