Pakistan, Belgium to boost cooperation
By Saad Ahmed

Rawalpindi—Pakistan and Belgium have reiterated the desire to intensify bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and Defence. This was discussed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Chaudary Ahmad Mukhtar, and the Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan, Mr. Michel Goffin, who called on the Minister, here today. Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and stressed the need for building closer and deeper cooperation.
The envoy congratulated the Minister upon assuming the responsibilities of Ministry of Defence. He told the Minister that Belgium valued its relations with Pakistan as the two countries have shared perceptions on regional and international issues. He lauded the instrumental role played by Pakistan as front line state against the war on terror. He said that Belgium feel that the security in Europe is directly linked to the actions taken by Pakistan against the terrorist elements. Mr. Michel Goffin conveyed to the Minister that his country would like to extend all possible assistance to Pakistan for strengthening its Armed Forces. The Ambassador also discussed the ongoing defence cooperation with the Minister and stated that his country wanted to promote and construct a broad based cooperation with Pakistan in the field of defence. The Minister informed the envoy that there existed a vast scope of cooperation between the two countries in various areas which needed to be explored for the mutual benefit of the two sides.
The Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan, Mr.Engin Soysal, also called on Defence Minister and discussed with him matters of bilateral importance. The Minister told the envoy that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed excellent relations in various fields which needed to be further enhanced in the spheres of trade, economy and defence. The meeting underscored the need to further increase and broaden defence cooperation. The ongoing
10 days multi-dimensional exercises by the Air Forces of Pakistan and Turkey at Sargodha also figured at the meeting. The meeting expressed the hope that these exercises would help in promoting greater understanding between the Air Forces of the two countries as well as it would further strengthen the defence ties between the two brotherly countries. The Ambassador felicitated the Minister upon assumption the charge of the Ministry of Defence. He also extended invitation to him to visit Turkey.