ISLAMABAD – Pakistani Secretary of Defense Lt Gen (retd) Asif Yasin Malik has said that Pakistan wants to facilitate peace efforts in Afghanistan for a peaceful region post 2014. The secretary defense, in his meeting with top French officials and diplomats in Paris, said Pakistan acted as a stabilizing factor in the wake of drawdown of international forces from Afghanistan. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defense here on Monday, Pakistan France Security Commission met in Paris to review the progress made in security related issues of mutual interest.

Both the sides noted that Pakistan and France were making satisfactory progress towards mutual cooperation in security related fields.

Lt Gen (retd) Asif Yasin Malik visited the French Capital as head of a four-member security delegation. Secretary General of French Ministry of Defense and National Security, Francis Delon, led his country’s delegation during the talks.

The commission established in 2011 has been a highly useful platform for both sides to discuss all security related and bilateral issues.

This was the third meeting of the commission since its establishment.

The two sides during the talks noted that co-operation under the security dialogue has contributed much to further strengthen Pak-French friendly relations and peace and security.

Anti-terrorism related as well as security issues in various regional contexts also came under discussion.

The next meeting of the commission will be held in Islamabad next year.

During the meeting, the French side appreciated the role of Pakistan in the region.

They acknowledged the role Pakistan has played during the war on terror and sacrifices rendered in this regard.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Paris, Ghalib Iqbal, among other high officials of the mission and members of the delegation, participated in the talks.

Earlier, the Secretary Defense had meetings with Diplomatic Adviser to the President of France, Paul Jean Oetiz, Secretary General of French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pierre Sellal and Deputy Director Strategic Division of French Ministry of Defense General Eric Bonnemaison. (APP)