Pakistan, UK discuss bilateral Defence Cooperation
Pakistan Times Federal Bureau Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) have expressed the desire to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. This desire was expressed during a meeting between Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the visiting UK Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

UK Secretary of Defence told the Defence Minister of Pakistan that there were good opportunities for enhancing cooperation and it was essential to explore new ways and avenues to further them.

Minister of State for Defence Zahid Hamid was also present in the meeting and informed the visiting delegation that Pakistan expected more liberal export licence policy from United Kingdom so as to pave the way for the export of defence related equipment to Pakistan.

Liberal Attitude

Geoff Hoon assured the Minister that they would review the existing policy and would try to adopt liberal attitude towards export licence.

The Minister apprised the visiting delegation about the role and contribution made by President General Pervez Musharraf towards the consolidation of democratic institutions in the country.

Rao Sikandar Iqbal also informed the visiting delegation about the steps taken by Pakistan in fighting the war on terror.

He said the Government was determined to root out the menace of terrorism and extremism.

Lauds Pakistan for War on Terror

The UK Secretary of State for Defence lauded the efforts made by Pakistan in fighting the war against terrorism.

Welcomes Indo-Pakistan CBMs

Earlier, talking to newsmen at Chaklala airbase, Geof Hoon said the United Kingdom has welcomed the comprehensive dialogue process between Pakistan and India.

He said although it is a matter between Pakistan and India but “we very much welcome that the dialogue process is taking place”.

Hoon said the United Kingdom will encourage these dialogues between the two countries, where it can, as UK has excellent relations with both Pakistan and India.

The British Defence Secretary said during his visit he will discuss wide range of issues with his counterpart mainly to further promote the good relations between the British and Pakistani armed forces.

He will also call on President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Hoon said it was important that he should undertake regular visits to Pakistan and added, he was delighted to be here again. Earlier, the British Defence Secretary was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival.

He was received by Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and Minister of State for Defence Zahid Hamid and senior officials.

Torches tonnes of Drugs

The British Defence Secretary Tuesday torched almost 21 tonnes of heroin, hashish, and opium at a ceremony in Islamabad as he praised Pakistan's efforts to tackle drugs.

"This drug burning ceremony is an example in practice of the kind of cooperation we see over a number of years, so we are delighted with the efforts Pakistan is making," Hoon said Tuesday on the first day of his two-day visit.

Backdrop

Pakistan, neighbours the world's biggest opium and heroin producer Afghanistan.

Hoon said Britain was the "lead nation" in anti-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan.

"We work closely with our partners, particularly Pakistan along the border, but with also other partners inside Afghanistan to tackle this problem," he said.

On average, authorities in Pakistan seize 60 tonnes while some 40 tonnes is used domestically by drug addicts in Afghanistan.●