Pakistan, Germany express desire to deepen, develop cooperation

Islamabad, Sept 5 PPI: Pakistan and Germany expressed desire to further develop and deepen cooperation in various fields particularly in defence.



During talks between Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar and visiting German Defence
Minster Dr. Franz Josef Jung here Friday, both sides emphasized need for closer
collaboration in defence. German side indicated it would assist Pakistan in meeting
its defence requirements.



They exchanged views on security environment of the region with special reference to
Pak-Afghan border.



Mukhtar briefed his German counterpart about counter-terrorism measures taken by
Pakistan. Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism and deployed about 100,000
troops on its border with Afghanistan to check cross-border movements of terrorists
and extremist elements.



He said Pakistan had been supporting international efforts against the war on terror
to eliminate scourge of terrorism and make the world a safer place. Coalition forces
need to respect Pakistan's sovereignty and avoid killing of innocent children and
women as it can affect ``our partnership against the war on terror.''



Mukhtar spoke of poor economic and social conditions of Federally Administrated
Tribal Areas FATA of Pakistan and urged world community to focus on economic, social
development of these areas by providing jobs, health, educational, industrial
infrastructure which will certainly bring down level of militancy and terrorism.



Dr. Jung said Pakistan and Germany had shared interests against war on terror and
Islamabad's support was crucial to improve security environment of the region. He
lauded Pakistan's anti-terror efforts made by Pakistan and hoped it would continue
to support international efforts against combating terrorism.