CDF reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to bolster defence, security cooperation with France

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Chief of the Army Staff, reiterated Pakistan's dedication to enhancing defence and security collaboration with France, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). This reaffirmation occurred when a prominent French defence representative, Nicolas Roche, accompanied by France's Ambassador to Pakistan, Jean-Noël Poirier, visited the Chief of Defence Forces at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

During their meeting, they deliberated on matters of shared interest, encompassing regional security and bilateral collaboration in defence and security sectors.

Field Marshal Munir emphasized Pakistan's resolve to fortify "bilateral ties and further enhance defence and security cooperation," while Roche acknowledged Pakistan's endeavors to foster regional peace and stability. He expressed France's keen interest in broadening cooperation in areas of mutual importance, as reported by the ISPR.

The Secretary General for France's General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), Nicolas Roche, serves as a pivotal figure within the French government's executive power organization, aiding the Prime Minister in handling defence and national security duties. The SGDSN manages various crucial areas, including strategic defense and security, military programming, deterrence policy, economic and energy security, cybersecurity, anti-terrorism, and combating foreign digital interference.

The SGDSN's role extends to providing secretariat support for the national defence and security councils, chaired by the French president.

On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. They underscored the necessity of ensuring the "safety and free flow" of maritime traffic and consistent energy supplies amidst the turmoil in the Middle East that has disrupted oil shipments. Both parties underscored the significance of persistent diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to resolve the crisis, as stated by the Office (FO).