CDF Munir, Sudan’s interior minister pledge to deepen security and counterterrorism cooperation

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Sudanese Interior Minister Lieutenant General (Police) Babiker Samra Mustafa Ali on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in security and counterterrorism, the military’s media wing said.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Sudanese minister called on Field Marshal Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening relations between the two countries, particularly in the fields of security, counterterrorism and institutional cooperation,” the ISPR said.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability and acknowledged the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Sudan.

CDF Munir “reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further deepen bilateral engagement with Sudan” and underscored the importance of close cooperation in addressing shared security challenges, the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also met Sudan’s interior minister, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

“Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” Dar said, according to the statement.

He underscored the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Sudan and its commitment to further strengthening the brotherly ties between the two countries.

The Sudanese minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support and continued solidarity with his country. He highlighted the strength of relations between the two nations and underscored Sudan’s desire to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also attended the meeting.

Meeting with PM Shehbaz

A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met the Sudanese interior minister, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister warmly welcomed the visiting dignitary and said Pakistan attached great importance to its longstanding and fraternal relations with Sudan.

“We want Sudan to emerge from its current crisis as a peaceful, stable and prosperous country,” he said.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was keen to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, adding that there were vast opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, defence, education and other sectors.

“Pakistan values Sudan’s cooperation at the United Nations, the OIC, the G-77 and other multilateral forums,” he said.

The Sudanese minister thanked the prime minister and the Pakistani government for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him. He also expressed gratitude for the humanitarian and medical assistance provided by the Pakistani government and people during difficult times.

The visiting minister appreciated Pakistan’s support at international forums for efforts to restore peace and security in Sudan and praised its role in promoting regional peace and mediation, the statement said.