Ukraine, Australian envoys called on Minister of Defence
By Khalid Amin

RAWALPINDI—Pakistan and Australia have reiterated their desire to further promote and broaden bilateral cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, says a press release issued here.
This was discussed at a meeting between Caretaker Federal Minister for Defence & Defence Production, Syed Salim Abbas Jillani and the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ms. Zorica McCarthy, who called on him on Wednesday in Ministry of Defence.
The Minister during the meeting said that Pakistan and Australia enjoyed excellent relations in divergent fields, which needed to be further strengthened particularly in the area of defence. The meeting underscored the need for exchange of visits at the senior military level and cooperation in the area of military training between the two countries. The Minister informed the envoy about the functions and mandate of Caretaker set up, which would run day to day affairs and hold fair and transparent elections and deeply appreciated the prompt assistance provided by the Australian government to Pakistan in wake of Oct 8, 2005.
The Australian envoy lauded the decision of President Pervez Musharraf to relinquish of the post of Chief of Army Staff and said that international community would warmly welcome this decision and expressed the hope that it would help in strengthening democratic process in Pakistan. The Ukrainian ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Ihor Pasko also called on the Minister and discussed with him matters pertaining to enhancement of defence cooperation between two countries. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the existing level of defence cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries.