Pakistan and France have moved to deepen defence and security cooperation as senior officials from both countries held the eighth round of the Pakistan-France Joint Security Commission in Islamabad. The Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Defence Secretary Lieutenant General retired Muhammad Ali, while France was represented by Secretary General for Defence and National Security Nicolas Roche.
During the high-level talks, both sides reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and exchanged views on regional security developments. Pakistan and France reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation under their 2023 bilateral roadmap, while also stressing diplomacy and dialogue as key tools for addressing emerging security challenges. Counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy and transnational organised crime were also discussed.
During his visit, Nicolas Roche also met Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Their discussions focused on regional security as well as strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with France and expanding cooperation in the defence and security sectors. Roche, meanwhile, acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace and stability and expressed France’s interest in expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The two countries have agreed that the next round of the Joint Security Commission will be held in France.
