Pakistan, US to further strengthen defence ties

Pakistan and the United States have reportedly agreed that there is a need for both countries to enhance cooperation in various fields, especially the defence sector.

Islamabad, Sept.19 : Pakistan and the United States have reportedly agreed that there is a need for both countries to enhance cooperation in various fields, especially the defence sector.

U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson called on Minister for Defence Production Habibullah Warriach and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. They stressed the need for intimate cooperation in areas of common interest.

The minister briefed the envoy on the steps taken by Pakistan against the war on terror. He informed the ambassador that Pakistan security forces needed to be strengthened to fight terrorist and extremist forces more effectively.

The US envoy said that Washington had taken a number of measures to strengthen and equip the security forces of Pakistan, particularly the personnel of the Frontier Corps, in this regard.

She stated that her government had devised a comprehensive strategy for the socio-economic uplift of Fata. The meeting was also attended by Secretary Defence Production Lt-Gen (retd) Shahid Siddiq Tirimizey.Tuesday's meeting assumes significance in the wake of the recently concluded second strategic dialogue between senior Pakistan and American officials.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte described the dialogue as very useful.

He said then that the continuing discussion between both countries highlighted their commitment to a wide-ranging, substantive, and long-term bilateral relationship.

The U.S. sees Pakistan as a strong ally and as an important and pivotal nation in the world, Negroponte said, adding that Pakistan's leadership was seen a voice of moderation and reason in the Islamic world.

The nation also remains a valuable ally in the war on terror, he concluded.

ANI