RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reachedRussia on an official visit on Tuesday.

According to the ISPR, the COAS met Colonel General Oleg Salyukov,Commander Russian Federation Ground Forces, at Kremlin Palace.

Upon his arrival, COAS was presented the guard of honour who laid a wreathat the tomb of an unknown soldier. National anthems of both countries wereplayed on the occasion.

The Russian Ground Forces Commander acknowledged achievements of PakistanArmy in fight against terrorism and contributions for regional peace andstability.

The Russian Ground Forces commander said that Pakistan is ageo-strategically important country and Russia is keen to expand itsexisting bilateral military to military cooperation.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa thanked Russian Ground Forces Commander and saidthat Pakistan reciprocates desire of enhanced bilateral militaryengagements.

He said that Russia has recently played a positive role to help resolvecomplex situations in the region. He said that Pakistan will continue toplay its part to keep conflicts away from the region and seek approacheswhich bring regional convergences into play rather that the divergences.