RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army staff, General Raheel Sharif, who is on an official visit to Australia held meetings with Australian Minister of defence, David Johnston and secretary defence Dennis Richardson in the morning today. Matters of regional security and bilateral defence cooperation were discussed during the two meetings.

General Raheel Sharif also met Lt Gen David Morrison, Australian Army Chief. Matters related to further strengthening military to military ties between both the countries were discussed.

Later General Rasheel Sharif, COAS attended  a round table discussion hosted by vice chief of defence forces, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs along with Australian services chiefs and high ranking officials of ministry of defence. Matters concerning regional security, Pakistan’s role and contributions in fighting terrorism and need for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries were discussed. Pakistan’s experiences in combating terrorism, and its Expertise in Countering Improvised Explosive devices were widely discussed and acknowledged.

Earlier on his arrival at Army Headquarters, Guard of Honour was presented to COAS. General Raheel Sharif was also the guest of honour at a banquet hosted by Lieutenant General David Morrison, Australian Army Chief.INP