ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday called for further expanding and strengthening all aspects of bilateral relations, including defence cooperation, between Pakistan and Egypt.

He was talking to Commander-in-Chief, Minister of Defence and Defence Production of Egyptian Armed Forces, General Sedqy Sobhi Sayed, who called on him here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

The president said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Egypt.

He said there was a potential between the two countries to further enhance partnership in diverse areas, especially in defence sector, a press release issued here said.

Mr Hussain underscored the need for reciprocal visits by delegations from armed forces of both countries to explore new avenues of mutual cooperation and collaboration.

He underlined the close diplomatic relations between the two countries based upon similarities of views on all important regional and international issues.

The president appreciated Egypt’s assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and flood victims of 2010 and 2011 in Pakistan.

General Sobhi also visited Joint Staff Headquarters and General Headquarters and met Gen Rashad Mahmood, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif on Tuesday.

According to ISPR, matter of mutual interest, regional security and military to military bilateral relations were discussed.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2015

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