Pakistan, Netherlands to boost defence ties

Islamabad, Nov 5 : Pakistan and Netherlands have agreed to transform bilateral defence cooperation into a long-term partnership.

The understanding was reached during meetings of the visiting Netherlands Defence Minister Eimert Van Middelkoop with Pakistan's Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani.

Mr Middelkoop called on General Majid at Joint Staff Headquarters and discussed the regional security situation, bilateral defence ties and other matters of mutual interest, focusing on Afghanistan and the ongoing military operation in South Waziristan.

According to a military statement issued here today, the CJCSC thanked the Dutch government for its contribution in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan and supporting Pakistan at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum as well as providing financial assistance to rehabilitate the displaced people of Swat.

The leaders also agreed on the need to transform bilateral defence cooperation into a long-term partnership, especially in the fields of training and defence industrial cooperation.

Appreciating Pakistan’s efforts in dealing with multiple security challenges, Mr Middelkoop thanked Islamabad for its support, especially in the provision of transit facilities to Dutch troops in Afghanistan. The Dutch Minister also called on the Army chief at the General Headquarters and discussed matters of mutual interest.

--UNI