Gen Raheel arrives in S. Africa on 3-day official visit

RAWALPINDI: General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), arrived in South Africa today (Monday) on a three-day official visit.

According to Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief visited South African Army Headquarters where he was presented 21 gun salute. He was also presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of South African Army.

General Raheel Sharif called on Lieutenant General V. R. Masondo, Chief of South African Army at the Army HQs.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence ties came under discussion. The South African Army chief lauded the professional prowess and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in successfully fighting against terrorism and showed keenness in bolstering mutually beneficial defence ties between both the friendly countries.

General Raheel Sharif was also given detailed briefing on operational and training matters of South African Army.

Later, COAS called on Gen Solly Zacharia Shoke, Chief of South African National Defence Forces (SANDF)and discussed matters of professional interest.

Later, the COAS also visited defence production facilities of South Africa to see possibilities of enhancing defence collaboration and training exchanges between both the countries.