ISLAMABAD, OCT 04 (DNA) .. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat has said Pakistan greatly values its relations with Egypt adding Pakistan, Egypt relations would grow stronger and stronger.

The CJCSC expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of Armed Forces Day of Egypt. Ambassador of Egypt Ahmad Fadel Yakoub and the Defence Attache of Egypt Waleed Ibarhim arranged a grand reception to mark the day.

General Zubair further said, he was honoured and privileged to be the chief guest at the Egyptian armed forces day. He said the Egyptian armed forces rendered great sacrifices in 1973 war.

He said Pakistan and Egypt enjoy excellent relations marked by religious brotherhood and cultural values. Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Egypt before the creation of Pakistan.

Pakistan established diplomatic mission in Cairo in June 1948 and defence cooperation started in early 70s but remained confined to military field. To enhance the cooperation between two countries a military cooperation committee was established 20 years ago. Since then the committee has met for the 11 times and the last session was held in January this year.

He said we were pleased to receive the high level military delegations including minister for defense production and CMC of the Egyptian armed forces in 2015 and in my capacity as CJCSC I visited Egypt in March this year.

Egypt is regularly participating in IDEAS exhibition which is a clear manifestation of our close military ties.

Pakistan and Egypt have convergence of interest in peace and stability, economic growth, prosperity not only for each other but for the region and beyond.

He said these are the testing times for the world and challenges such as terrorism, extremism are seriously impacting the two countries. We have to stand united against these forces which are threatening stability in our region.

He said it for these reasons that Pakistan will continue to work towards a cordial and mutually beneficial relations with Egypt.

Pakistan he said condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. “We stand firm with our cause and commitment. Pakistan armed forces have fought resolutely against terrorists and extremists and Pakistan by the grace of God is a peaceful country now”.

He said Pakistan wants peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan is also deeply concerned about gross human rights violations in held Kashmir by Indian occupied forces. Kashmir issue has centrality in Indo-Pak relations and a just solution as per the UN resolutions is necessary for lasting peace in the region.

Earlier the Defence Attache of Egypt Waleed Ibrahim Saeed Ahmed also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the valiant struggle of Egyptian armed forces.

He also hoped relations between Egypt and Pakistan will further strengthen with each passing day.=DNA

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