Islamabad:
Pakistan hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defense Staff Conference on Saturday and gathered senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadsjikistan and Uzbekistan in what is being hailed as a significant step towards strengthening regional security cooperation and military diplomacy.
Organized under the theme “Strengthen Bonds, Securing Peace”, the high profiled collection aimed to strengthen security cooperation, improve joint training initiatives and share best practices in terrorist and other defense-related areas, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Chief of Army Staff (Coas) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir formally welcomed the delegations and repeated Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability.
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“In an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, deeper military-to-military cooperation, strategic dialogue and mutual trust are imperative. Pakistan remains obliged to work with partner nations for a safe and prosperous region,” Coas noted.
The participating defense managers held detailed discussions on regional security dynamics, collaboration on the fight against terrorism, developing strategic trends in Central and South Asia and coordinated humanitarian reactions during crises.
The delegates also expressed a joint decision to maintain peace, respect national sovereignty, and confront ordinary threats – including terrorism, cyber insecurity and violent extremism.
Participants praised Pakistan’s leadership and hospitality and denote the conference an important step in promoting inclusive and forward -looking defense diplomacy.
The event emphasized Pakistan’s continued role as a key player in the design of a safe, interconnected and cooperative regional security environment – rooted in mutual interests and regional solidarity.
The development is seen as another sign of Pakistan’s increasing profile on both regional and international fronts.
Observers believe that Pakistan plays its cards well as it is currently dealing with large powers and other regional stakeholders.
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The Army Chief was in Beijing earlier this week, where he held a series of meetings with the top Chinese civilian and military leadership. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met on Friday with US State Secretary Marco Rubio in Washington, in what officials described as a sign of Pakistan’s developing diplomatic outreach.
Secretary Rubio appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran and also praised Islamabad for his role in preserving regional stability.
Later, when he spoke in Atlantic Council, Foreign Minister Dar said Pakistan would serve as a bridge between the United States and China. He remembered that Pakistan had previously brought the two forces closer and was ready to play this role again.
