COAS, Alice Wells reaffirm commitment towards peace in region

–Finance minister, US diplomat discuss economic cooperation between Pakistan, US

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and United States (US) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Ambassador Alice G Wells, on Tuesday reaffirmed the commitment towards the common goal of peace and stability in the region and discussed measures towards that end.

In a meeting held at GHQ, they discussed issues of mutual interest, regional security and cooperation between the two countries.

They also agreed on continued engagement at multiple levels.

The US diplomat commended the sacrifices and resilience of the people and armed forces of Pakistan and appreciated the role played by Pakistan Army in battling the scourge of terrorism.

Separately, Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar received Ambassador Alice G Wells for a meeting during which current state of Pak-US relations with particular focus on economic cooperation were discussed. The overall security situation in the region also came under discussion.

Finance minister, at the occasion, said that such bilateral visits enhanced understanding of each other’s point of view on important issues. She also briefed Alice Wells about Pakistan’s participation in the recently concluded FATF meeting in Paris.

Shamshad said that Pakistan had reiterated its strong commitment to take every possible step to root out the menace of terror financing and money laundering.

Alice Wells appreciated Pakistan’s stance on FATF issues and said that Pak-US relationship was important and the US would like to carry it forward.