Rawalpindi, 20 September 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Pakistan, Riina Kionka, called on the Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Tuesday.
In the meeting, the two officials discussed the massive flood emergency in Pakistan, the domestic, regional, and global security aspects, and the dynamic of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the EU.
Dr. Kionka assured support of the EU to the people of Pakistan and the efforts to increase relief assistance.
She also appreciated the Pakistan Army’s efforts to assist the civil administration in rescue and relief efforts in flood-affected areas and professed to play her part in strengthening relations between Pakistan and the EU.
The Pakistani Army Chief said Pakistan values its relations with EU states and that it earnestly looks forward to enhancing mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests.
He also congratulated the European Ambassador for assuming her new appointment. Both hoped to further enhance bilateral engagement based on common interests, according to ISPR.
The Ambassador expressed her grief over the devastation caused by the ongoing floods in Pakistan and offered sincere condolences to the families of the victims. She offered her full support to the people of Pakistan.
Bajwa also expressed his gratitude for the EU’s support and reiterated that assistance from global partners is essential for the rescue and rehabilitation of flood victims.
Post-meeting remarks of the Ambassador
Later, talking about the objective of her meeting with the Pakistani Chief, Ambassador Kionka tweeted, “a diplomat’s job is to advance relations by engaging with all possible movers and shakers, whether govt, civil society, business, media, academia, the arts, the military. And everybody in between.”
The Ambassador further said that she was happy to have a stimulating conversation with General Bajwa.
Pakistan-EU relations
Pakistan and the EU are important political allies. The European Union Delegation to Pakistan represents the EU on a wide variety of topics, including development cooperation, commerce, humanitarian aid, security and counter-terrorism, energy, environment, health, transport, migration, and climate change.