Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa expressed the hope that relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom would reach “historic heights” in the future. He was addressing the passing-out parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on Friday (August 12). General Bajwa is the first Pakistani dignitary who was invited as the chief guest at the military academy.

Pakistan’s army chief began his address by saying that it was a “great honour and privilege” for him to be present during today’s ceremony.

He congratulated the cadets and their families on successfully completing their training at the academy.

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“You are part of the finest militaries in the world that has produced great military leaders.”

“Two Pakistani cadets will also be graduating with you today and let me say that I am as proud of you as I am of them,” General Bajwa told the graduating officers and congratulated them and their families.

COAS Bajwa has become the first Pakistani ever to be the representative of the Queen during the sovereign’s parade at the Military Academy Sandhurst.

“Your alma matter is, without a doubt, one of the finest military institutions in the world which have produced some of the great military leaders that this world has seen,” he said, adding that graduating from Sandhurst is a great honour and pride.

“My presence here is a testimony of the deep-rooted relationship that exists between Pakistan and the United Kingdom based on mutual respect and shared values which have been carefully nurtured by both the nations over many decades.”

COAS Bajwa arrives in UK on official visit

Chief of Army Staff arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) on an official visit on early Thursday, August 11.

A day before leaving for the UK, COAS Bajwa had a meeting with Commander Iraqi Navy Lieutenant General Ahmed Jasim Maarij Abdullah Al Zayid on Wednesday, August 10.

ISPR said that matters of mutual interest, regional security issues, and measures to further enhance bilateral defence collaboration were discussed during the meeting.