Islamabad, September 22, 2026: The eighth round of the Pakistan-France Joint Security Commission was held in Islamabad on Tuesday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral security and defence cooperation.
Federal Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Ali led the Pakistani delegation, while France’s Secretary General for Defence and National Security (SGDSN) Nicolas Roche headed the French side.
The meeting provided an opportunity for high-level discussions on security and defence cooperation. The two sides reviewed progress on issues discussed during the seventh round of the Joint Security Commission, held in Paris in 2022.
They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening and implementing bilateral cooperation in line with the Pakistan-France Roadmap for Bilateral Cooperation 2023.
The two sides agreed to continue bilateral dialogue and engagement, with the next Staff Talks expected to provide an opportunity to assess defence cooperation and carry forward discussions.
The delegations also exchanged views on regional security developments and emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing emerging security challenges and promoting peace.
Pakistan and France reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation against terrorism and addressing related security threats, including drug trafficking, piracy and other forms of transnational organized crime.
The Joint Security Commission serves as an institutionalized mechanism for consultations and regular exchanges between Pakistan and France on security and defence matters.
It was decided that the ninth round of the mechanism would be held in France on mutually agreed dates.
