Wang appreciated progress of an effective, across the board Operation Zarb-e-Azb by Pakistan Army which helped eliminate ETIM (East Turkestan Islamic Movement) just as it eliminated elements of all other terrorist groups based in the area. While underlining the importance of CPEC, Wang said that CPEC will have highly significant and long-term impacts on the region and is equally beneficial for people of Pakistan and China. CoAS reiterated Pakistan's commitment to ensure secure environment for timely completion and subsequent management of CPEC in the best interest of prosperous region.
Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani met with Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday and while emphasising on the need of enhancing bilateral relations, vowed to work together to eliminate common threat of terrorism. According to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on regional security with particular reference to the security situation and peace process in Afghanistan.
"Afghan President, while emphasizing on the need of enhancing bilateral relations between both countries, vowed to work together to eliminate common threat of terrorism," said an ISPR press release. The Afghan president also acknowledged the successes achieved by Pakistan in war against terror.
Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Raheel Sharif assured Pakistan's continued full support to the Afghan President for intelligence sharing, operational co-ordination and reconciliation process for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
"We are committed to working together with Afghanistan on the basis of mutual interest and respect. We should pursue a strategic relationship that is enduring and enhances the security and concomitant prosperity of both brotherly countries," the CoAS emphasised. While acknowledging the need to undertake confidence-building measures in order to engender trust, both dignitaries agreed to further enhance mutual relations by enhancing the ongoing Pak-Afghan security cooperation.