ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Saturday, with both leaders stressing the need for enhanced coordination on matters of mutual defence and strategic interest, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s military media wing.
Pakistan and Egypt share long-standing bilateral relations. In May, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s desire for stronger bilateral ties with Pakistan in a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Last week, Pakistan and Egypt agreed to enhance cooperation in the maritime and industrial sectors, aiming to foster joint ventures and promote their blue economies. Field Marshal Munir is currently on a visit to Egypt, where he held meetings with Egyptian military leadership.
A statement issued by Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Saturday said the Army Chief held a meeting with the Egyptian President at the Itihadia Presidential Palace in Cairo.
“Chief of Army Staff commended the Egyptian leadership for its key role in the region’s peace and stability, while President el-Sisi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s positive and proactive contributions to matters of importance for the world and the Muslim ummah,” the ISPR said.
“Both leaders underlined the importance of coordination on matters of mutual strategic interests and strengthening people-to-people contacts,” the ISPR added.
The military media wing stated that Field Marshal Munir and President el-Sisi exchanged views on bilateral relations and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Egypt.
“The meeting further acknowledged the shared history of friendly ties and the mutual desire to further broaden cooperation in all domains, especially socio-economic engagement, technology and security matters,” according to ISPR.
“The meeting concluded on a warm note, with both parties expressing confidence that the strengthened economic and security dialogue would contribute significantly to peace, stability and security in Pakistan, Egypt and the wider region,” the ISPR said.
Army Chief Field Marshal Munir had reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to improved defence and military cooperation with Egypt in a meeting with its defence officials a day ago.
Field Marshal Munir had also visited and laid a floral wreath on the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and the grave of former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.
During the visit, Field Marshal Munir also met the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayab.
