Asif attends 52nd Munich Security Conference
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif represented Pakistan at the 52nd Munich Security Conference, held in the beautiful South Eastern city of Germany. There were more than 500 delegates from around the world in attendance, including more than 30 heads of state and government and 70 Foreign and Defence Ministers. This was the second consecutive year that Defense Minister led Pakistan delegation to this important international event, says a press release received here today from Berlin.
The Defense Minister, accompanied by Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, Minister (Pol) Mrs. Rukhsana Afzaal and Defence Attache Brigadier Adnan Shad, attended important sessions on ' current issues', refugees' and terrorism, the main themes of this year's conference. He also held important bilateral meetings on the margins of the conference, including with the Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif, Chairperson of Foreign Affairs Committee of Chinese National Peoples' Congress, Madam Fu Ying, British Secretary of Defense, Mr. Michael Fallon, Belarusian Foreign Minister, Mr. Vladimir Makei and Italian Defense Minister Ms. Roberta Pinotti.
The discussion during these meetings centered on current global security situation, Pakistan's role in stabilizing the region, and counterterrorism, besides bilateral relations with the respective countries and prospects for future cooperation.
Khawaja Asif's meeting with the German counterpart, Ms. Ursula Von Der Leyen provided a useful opportunity for reviewing bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation. The two ministers also exchanged views on the ongoing war in Syria and refugees' crisis currently facing Europe. They agreed that the refugees' crisis needed a European solution. They also felt that the world needed to focus on the humanitarian aspects of the crises.
Meetings with the other visiting dignitaries were also very positive and constructive with shared prescriptions on many issues of common interest. The Defense minister also engaged with prominent German and international media. A business round table was also organized during the conference.