Islamabad, High-ranking military officials from Pakistan and the United Kingdom convened in Islamabad for the opening session of the 6th Pakistan-UK Regional Stabilization Conference. The event, hosted at the National Defence University on April 30, 2024, focused on enhancing bilateral and regional security cooperation.

According to Inter Services Public Relations, the conference featured addresses by General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, and General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff of the UK Army. The session also welcomed General Sir Roland Walker, who is set to succeed General Sanders as CGS of the UK Army.

The Pakistan-UK Stabilization Conference serves as a cornerstone for defence and security dialogue between the two nations, alternating locations between Pakistan and the UK annually. This year’s conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including diplomats, defence officials, intellectuals, and civil society representatives, reflecting its broadened scope to cover regional issues and impacts on national security.

A 30-member UK delegation, led by Major General Tom Bateman, Standing Joint Force Commander, is visiting Pakistan from April 29 to May 3, 2024, to engage in discussions that aim to deepen understanding of the global and regional security environments and explore avenues for cooperation in promoting regional peace and stability.

In a related development, General Munir held separate meetings with General Sanders and General Walker to discuss professional matters and strategies to enhance bilateral defence relations further. General Munir expressed gratitude to General Sanders for his contributions to strengthening military ties between Pakistan and the UK and congratulated General Walker on his upcoming role.