In a major advance in military relations between Pakistan and Iraq, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), met with Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood Salman, the Iraqi Secretary of Defence, at the Joint Staff Headquarters. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and dealing with major security challenges faced by both nations.
Discussion on Matters of Mutual Interest Pakistan-Iraq
During the meeting, both leaders extensively discussed matters of mutual interest. They emphasized that this move would help them overcome their common security anxieties, especially given terrorism and regional stability needs, which was also echoed by Pakistani Senior Officials from the ISPR Committee.
Focus on Regional Security and Stability Pakistan-Iraq
One area they considered while conversing was the regional security situation, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. They recognized that their regions are characterized by complex insecurity marked by conflicts and insurgencies, among other things. Hence, more collaboration in these areas should bring about peace and stability.
The two leaders talked about evolving dynamics around safety, including effects brought about by ongoing Middle Eastern wars and the withdrawal of foreign troops from nearby states. They realized such events require a joint approach to countering new hazards while safeguarding sovereignty over land boundaries that either country shares with neighbours.
Strengthening Bilateral Defense Cooperation Pakistan-Iraq
The main focus, however, during this gathering remained on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between Iraq and Pakistan since both sides acknowledged that they must work together against various threats that may arise from different quarters. They expressed readiness to increase military contacts through joint exercises, training programs, etcetera, thus enabling a better understanding of each other’s operational methods besides improving their preparedness levels when tackling shared defence problems.
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, leading the Pakistani side, cited the expertise gained during counter-insurgency operations within the nation many years back, something internationally recognized so far. The record shows no other country has come close enough to fighting against terrorism than them. He promised to share knowledge with Iraqi soldiers that may be helpful to them given that they have been grappling with the same issue for quite some time now and should, therefore, learn from each other’s experiences.
Appreciation of Pakistan Army’s Professionalism Pakistan-Iraq
Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood Salman praised the Pakistani army for its professionalism and discipline, saying it is an example worth following by other forces worldwide.
Summary and Outlooks
When General Sahir Shamshad Mirza met with Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood Salman, it became a significant event that helped boost military relations between Pakistan and Iraq. The leaders shared their views about continuing talks and working together to solve common security challenges, among other things, which may improve the strategic partnership between both nations.
After this meeting ends, there will be no stopping them in the future. They will have more opportunities to work together on fighting terrorism, enhancing defence production, capacity-building programs, and military training exchanges. Strengthening these ties will also contribute to stabilizing peace regionally. All this will benefit the Pakistani people and even our friends abroad!
