By Khawaja Hamza
RAWALPINDI, A high-level defence delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), headed by Lieutenant General Banza Mwilambwe Jules, Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, visited General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, and held a high-level meeting with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Upon arrival at GHQ, Lieutenant General Banza Mwilambwe Jules was accorded a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent, reflecting the importance attached to the visit and bilateral defence relations between Pakistan and the DRC.
During the meeting with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Both military leaders expressed satisfaction over the longstanding cordial relations between Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening defence ties.
As part of the visit, Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at broadening and strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two countries. The agreement provides a framework for further engagement in the defence and security domain.
Earlier, Lieutenant General Banza Mwilambwe Jules also held meetings with Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, during which matters relating to bilateral military cooperation and professional engagement were discussed.
The visiting Congolese defence chief appreciated the professionalism, operational capabilities and unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Pakistan toward maintaining peace and stability in the region.
He also acknowledged the significant progress made by Pakistan in defence indigenization and self-reliance, highlighting the capabilities developed by Pakistan’s armed forces through indigenous efforts.
The high-level visit and signing of the MoU underscore Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s interest in expanding institutional defence ties and developing broader avenues for cooperation in the security sector.
