Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said in Moscow that peace in Afghanistan is vital for stability in the region and that it would benefit all neighbouring nations.

According to Pakistan’s Geo News, Bajwa on Wednesday met with the Chief of General Staff Russian Armed Forces General Valery Vasilevich Gerasimov in Moscow, on the second day of his visit to Russia. 

Bajwa said in the meeting Pakistan welcomes any initiative that can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan, adding that the entire region will benefit from such efforts.

According to Pakistan’s Daily Times, Bajwa said: “Pakistan would support every step taken to establish peace in Afghanistan because it is essential for regional stability. We do not have hostile designs against any nation.” 

He also said Pakistan “wants to get out of the zerosum dynamics of Cold War era that is still prevalent in South Asia” and that the country will continue “working towards a cooperative regional framework based on sovereign equality and mutual progress through connectivity.”

The Daily Times reported that the Russian military chief commended Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. 

He added that Russia supports Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace in Afghanistan and that the country would also play a crucial rule to help stabilize Afghanistan.

The two dignitaries also discussed matters pertaining to regional security and mutual cooperation.