Chairman EU Military Committee calls on Defence Minister

ISLAMABAD: Chairman European Union (EU) Military Committee, General Mikhail Kostarakos called on Federal Minister for Defence, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, in his office at Ministry of Defence Rawalpindi on Thursday.

The minister lauded the services of visiting dignitary towards global peace and stability, said a press release issued here.

Khurram Dastgir said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with EU. Our relations draw strength from a shared objective of global peace and security, he said.

He commended EU’s efforts in uplift and development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Malakand Division.

The minister said that Pakistan strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He reiterated zero tolerance against use of Pakistan’s soil to promote terrorism against any country.

He mentioned that Pakistan had been providing multi-faceted support to international community in war against terrorism.

“Pakistan is committed to stability and peace in the region with particular focus on its relation with Afghanistan. A peaceful Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan but the whole region” the minister added.

The minister highlighted that Pakistan at this critical juncture in war against terror wanted more trade than aid to address root causes of extremism like unemployment and poverty.

He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to enhance collaboration in the field of defence and defence production, especially in the ease of access to defence technology of EU member countries.

General Mikhail Kostarakos expressed the desire to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and EU. He highlighted the importance of better communication and interaction at various levels under a mutually agreed framework. He also shared his views on Afghanistan.