German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung on Thursday called on the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majid, at the Joint Staff Headquarters, in Rawalpindi. He exchanged views with JCSC Chairman focusing on bilateral ties and regional security environment.
While discussing regional security issues, General Tariq reiterated that a stable Afghanistan was in the interest of the region as well as Pakistan. However; Afghan leadership in order, to cover its own failings in Afghanistan, keeps slandering Pakistan's sincerity with preposterous allegations time and again. Blaming Pakistan's intelligence agencies of recent killings of foreign nationals in Afghanistan was a case in point.
General Tariq appreciated pragmatic German approach to deal with complex security situation in Afghanistan in activities that should lead to Afghanistan's ability to govern itself. Condemning the callous and wanton act by Nato forces at Angoor Ada, the CJCSC said that such cross border strikes would further alienate the locals and would be counter-productive. Pakistan reserves the right to appropriately retaliate in future, he added.
While discussing the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Germany, CJCSC emphasised that "we ought to strengthen our relationship" to foster enduring and meaningful partnership. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the ongoing military to military interaction. Jung appreciated the pivotal role of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and its invaluable support to coalition forces operating in Afghanistan.