Pakistan, UK to broaden defence ties
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) have reiterated their mutual desire to further enhance and broaden the scope of cooperation between the two countries particularly in the field of defence. This was discussed at a meeting held on Monday between Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the visiting UK Secretary of State for Defence John Reid.
Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction at the multi-faceted relations between Pakistan and UK. The Defence Minister informed his counterpart about the security needs of his country. Issues pertaining to arms export licenses and the need for training courses for Armed Forces personnel in UK also came under discussion during the meeting.
The British side indicated that they would consider requirements proposed by Pakistan. The meeting underscored the need for close collaboration between the two countries in fighting the war on terror. Rao Sikandar briefed the visiting dignitary about counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan. He reiterated government’s resolve and said that his country was fully committed to root out the menace of terrorism. The meeting also emphasized the need for undertaking joint efforts against the elimination of drug trafficking.
The meeting was attended by Rear Admiral Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudhry, Additional Secretary Ministry of Defence, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, and civil and military officials of both countries. Earlier, the delegation was received by the Defence Minister at Chaklala Air Base.
. British Secretary of State for Defence John Reid, currently on an official visit to Pakistan, called on President General Pervez Musharraf here Monday. During the meeting, the President recalled the
existing friendly relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He expressed the hope that the visit of Mr Reid would serve to further enhance these ties. He exchanged views on various facets of cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence.
The visiting dignitary said the UK was highly appreciative of efforts made by Pakistan under the leadership of President Musharraf in fighting terrorism and extremism. He expressed his resolve for further strengthening defence cooperation between the United Kingdom and Pakistan. Senior Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and Secretary Defence were also present during the call.