reversed,” because the aim was to make the country “as secure and peaceful as possible.” He said development projects like Gwadar, Reko Diq will ensure economic progress. He specifically mentioned China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and said that the project will be “materialised in a couple of years.”
Commenting on his engagement with US officials, General Raheel said that military-to-military relations were at their best and with the American administration the relations were on a positive trajectory.
It is pertinent to mention here that the media was initially instructed not to report the event as it was off the record. The press was not allowed to bring any audio/ video equipment or notepads, yet the embassy high-ups later issued a press release on the event.
The statement from the embassy read that the army chief noted that both Pakistan and the United States had convergence of views on countering the existing and emerging threats in their mutual interest. “He expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory and growth in the Pak-US defence and counterterrorism cooperation at this critical juncture in the history,” the statement said.
The ambassador, the statement added, in his welcoming remarks highlighted the vital role played by Armed Forces of Pakistan in safeguarding the country from internal and external threats. “In his remarks he profusely appreciated the immense sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces personnel in bringing peace and security to the country.”
Earlier, on Thursday, the COAS and his delegation met Vice President Joe Biden to discuss regional stability and security. The meeting went on for at least two and a half hours and was also attended by US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Olson, and Special Assistant for South Asia affairs, Peter Lavoy, as well as defence and national security representatives.