ISLAMABAD, JAN 14 /DNA/ – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received the Chief of Staff of Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Asinda Fall of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the Ministry earlier today. General Fall is on an unprecedented 6-Day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of his counterpart.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the traditionally cooperative and cordial ties. Coordination of positions and mutual support for each other’s candidatures at multilateral fora was also flagged.
The Foreign Minister expressed pride in Pakistan’s steadfast and unmatched support and contribution to peacekeeping, peace building and peacemaking effort in DRC with 53,000 uniformed personnel under UN auspices from2003.
FM Qureshi briefed the DRC Chief of Land Forces about Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy aimed at enhancing diplomatic footprint and intensifying exchanges and trade with Africa. He also underlined government’s emphasis on ‘geo-economics’.
FM Qureshi conveyed greetings from President & Prime Minister to President of DRC H.E. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. He praised the Congolese President’s contribution to promoting democracy and ably steering African Union as its Chairperson.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also conveyed a cordial invitation to his counterpart HE Mr.Cristophe Lutundula Apala to visit to Pakistan. He offered further training opportunities for DRC diplomats at Foreign Service Academy (FSA) Islamabad. He also urged the Congolese side to avail of Pakistan’s Technical Assistance Program facility for DRC youth in Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering.
General Felix’s visit has set a positive tone for further strengthening and deepening of bilateral ties.=DNA
