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Pakistan, Germany agree to expand defence cooperation
Islamabad, Dec 22 : Pakistan and Germany today agreed to further boost cooperation in the area of defence and counter terrorism.
A decision to this effect was taken at the formal talks between the visiting German Defence Minister Franzz-Josef Jung and his Pakistani counterpart Rao Sikandar Iqbal.
The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for protection of classified military information.
''We want to further strengthen our bilateral relations,'' Mr Jung told reporters after meeting Mr Iqbal.
He said the talks he had and signing of the MoU showed desire of the two countries to further intensify defence cooperation.
Mr Jung added his country has already helped Pakistan in the area of military education and training which, he said, will continue in future.
More than 250 Pakistani military officers attended different courses in Germany over the years.
The German minister said Pakistan and his country have a common responsibility in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
''We will further strengthen cooperation in this year as Pakistan has to play a lead role in the operation enduring freedom.'' Earlier, on return from a day-long visit to Kabul, Mr Jung told reporters at the PAF base at Chaklala that the German troops and two of their four CH-53 helicopters will stay back in Pakistan till February even after withdrawal of NATO troops performing relief operations in the quake-hit areas.
''We will assess the ground situation after February and ensure that necessary help is there if it is needed,'' he added.
The 1100-strong NATO troops are to return to their headquarters by January 21 on completion of their 90 day mandatory stay in Pakistan.
Mr Jung said his country would continue assisting Pakistani government in relief operations.
Germany had pledged 101.6 million dollars during last November's international donors conference, which had committed over 6 billion dollars for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
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