Pak, Yemen keen to bolster defence ties

SANAA—Lauding Pakistan’s progress in defence production, Yemen today expressed keen interest in promoting defence cooperation between the two countries.
The interest was shown by Yemeni’s defence minister General Muhammad Nasir Ahmed during his call on with Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro at Republican Palace. Interaction at highest level always helped in improving relations and strengthen bonds between the two countries, the PrimeMinister said.
Reciprocating the warm sentiments of General Nasir, the Prime Minister added that contacts between the armed forces of the two countries should continue to develop better understanding and boost cooperation.
Besides training of the Yemeni officers in Pak academies, which is already taking place, there is more potential and scope for cooperation in other technical fields as well.
Yemeni Defence Minister was also extended an invitation to visit Pakistan and see for himself the sector of defence production. General Muhammad Nasir said that Yemen needed Pak help and support in the improvement of its medical corps and military hospitals. He said “we are proud of the progress made by Pakistan in defence production. We are happy and satisfied with the militarytraining to Yemeni officers in Pakistan.”
“The bonds between the two countries are strong and will be stronger with the passage of time,” the Yemeni minister said.
Yemeni people love Pakistani people because of their common history, culture and civilization.
Both the sides wished peace and prosperity of Muslim Ummah. Pakistani Secretary Defence Production Lt Gen (rtd) Shahid Siddiq Tirmizey was also present during the call on.
Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro and his Yemeni counterpart Dr Ali Muhammad Mujowwar Friday held one-on-one informal interaction and discussed matters of mutual interest. During the interaction which held here at the Prime Minister House, both sides underscored the need to exchange knowledge and experience to address issues in diverse fields. They were of the view that different problems including economic and energy issues could be effectively tackled by sharing expertise and technological knowledge. The two sides also underlined the need to promote welfare and prosperity in the Muslim Ummah.
Later, the Yemeni Prime Minister hosted a lunch in honour of prime minister and members of his entourage including caretaker Minister for Labour Nisar Ghumman and Minister for Health Ijaz Rahim, Governor Punjab Lt Gen (retd) Khalid Maqbool.
The lunch was also attended by Yemen’s cabinet members.
Earlier, Prime Minister along with accompanying members offered Jumma prayers at the historic mosque Masjid-e-Shuhada, close to the palace.
The Imam in his sermon underscored the need to further promoting unity among the Muslim Ummah. He observed that by avoiding the scourge of extremism the Muslim world can ensure fast economic progress.
Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro Friday left for Saudi Arabia and Yemen on three days visit.
During stay in Saudi Arabia, the Caretaker Prime Minister will hold talks with different trade delegation to boost trade relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He will also perform Umra.
During two days visit to Yemen, Muhammadmian Soomro is schedule to meet Prime Minister and President of the country. He will also address the Pakistan community in Yemen.
While talking to media men at Islamabad International Airport before leaving to Saudi Arabia, he said, Pakistan have brotherly and trade relations with Saudi Arabia, which would enhance followed by his visit.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower and Caretaker Federal Minister for Health are included in the delegation led by Caretaker Prime Minister during the visit to two countries.—Agencies