UK wants more interaction with Pak armed forces
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have underscored the need for enhanced cooperation and closer interaction between their armed forces.
It was agreed at a meeting between Secretary Defence Production Lt. General (r) Shahid Siddiq Tirmizey and the UKs visiting Vice Admiral Charles Style, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Commitments) here on Monday.
Style informed Tirmizey that Britain gave higher priority to its ties with Pakistan, as the two countries had strategic relations based on shared interests. He said there existed a vast scope of cooperation between the two countries and the UK was keen to promote cooperation with Pakistan to the maximum extent for the mutual benefit of the two sides. The British side conveyed that they were encouraging their companies to invest in the defence production sector of Pakistan.
Tirmizey told the UK defence delegation that cooperation between the two countries needed to be further enhanced particularly in the area of defence. He also highlighted the potential areas of cooperation and emphasized the need for practical manifestation of these growing ties. Later, the British defence delegation also called on Secretary Defence Kamran Rasool, who told them that Pakistan was committed to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was not only in the interest of the region but also in the interest of the whole world. He briefed the delegation about the counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan.
Kamran Rasool informed Charles Style that Pakistan had deployed 80,000 troops on its western border with Afghanistan to thwart cross-border infiltration of terrorist elements.
He further said that Pakistan had lost hundreds of solders while pursuing and combating terrorist and extremist forces. Charles Style a0ppreciated Pakistans efforts against the war on terror and the logistic support being provided by it to the British troops currently stationed in Afghanistan.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\07\03\story_3-7-2007_pg7_12
