Pak-Canada agree to cooperate war against terror

RAWALPINDI, Sept 1 (Online): Pakistan and Canada has underscored the need for close cooperation in their struggle against the war on terror. This was discussed during a meeting between senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the visiting Minister of National Defence of Canada Gordon O'Connor here on Friday. The meeting discussed the geo-political situation of the region with special focus on developments in Afghanistan. The Minister told the visiting dignitary that it was the earnest desire of Pakistan to see peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Minister highlighted the steps taken by Pakistan against fighting the menace of terrorism and extremism. The Minister told his Canadian counterpart that Pakistan was cooperating with 50 countries of the world against fighting terrorism and making all out efforts to curb the menace.The Canadian Defence Minister said that Canada wanted to reinforce its ties with Pakistan for the mutual benefit of the two countries. He briefed the Minister about the developments taking place in Afghanistan. The meeting also stressed the need for exchange of visits by the Military personnel of the two countries so as to benefit of each other's experience. Earlier, the Canadian defence minister called on Secretary Defence Lt General (Retd) Tariq Waseem Ghazi and discussed with him matters of bilateral importance.
The secretary told the Canadian Defence Minister that stable Afghanistan was vital for the economic interest of Pakistan as it would help to
provide access to corridor to Pakistan to Central Asian States. The Secretary emphasized the need for institutionalization of defence
cooperation between the two countries. Gordon O'Connor also called on Federal Minister for Defence Production
Habib Ullah Warriach and discussed with him matters of mutual interest. Both sides exchanged views on the security environment of the region. The Ministry told the Defence Minister of Canada that the government of Pakistan wanted to see peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Minister apprised the Canadian Defence delegation about the role played by Pakistan against combating the monster of terrorism.