High level defence delegation reaches Ukraine on official visit
By Asim Hussain

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal currently visiting Ukraine and held talks with Ukrainian leadership on enhancement of bilateral cooperation between the two countries., says a fax message received from Kiev, Ukraine.
The Minister accompanied by the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Major (r) Tanvir Hussain Syed and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence was earlier accorded warm welcome by Ukrainian Defence Minister Anatoliy Grytsenko and officials of his Ministry. This was the first ever high-level visit from Pakistan which carries a high significance for both the sides.
During the stay, the Minister held important meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the Defence Minister of Ukraine, says a fax message received here from Kiev, Ukraine.
The Pakistani Defence Minister laid a wreath on the tomb of unknown soldier and visited the National Defence College of Ukraine. He also reviewed Guard of Honour in the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The two sides held in-depth discussions in a congenial and cordial atmosphere covering wide range of Pak-Ukraine bilateral relations including the defence and the security related matters.
The two sides agreed to further enhance their existing cooperation andexchange ideas for mutually beneficial scientific collaboration in various spheres.
Besides, Ukrainian leadership was also explained Pakistan’s position onvarious regional and international issues particularly the initiatives taken by the President General Pervez Musharraf from time-to-time to bring peace and harmony in the region. The Ukrainian side was also briefed on situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s leading role in the fight against terrorism and prevention of drug-trafficking. The leadership of Ukraine expressed appreciation for the PresidentGeneral Pervez Musharraf s efforts in the war against terrorism and assured full cooperation.
They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and two agreements to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries particularly in the area of defence.