H.E
Mr. Stefano Pontecorvo, Ambassador of Italy called on Federal Minister for
Defence Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan in his office at Ministry of Defence
Rawalpindi today.
Federal
Minister said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with
Republic of Italy and wants to further enhance defence collaboration in
different fields. Minister for Defence also mentioned that exchange military
training can be mutually beneficial, as being part of NATO, Italian Armed
Forces have valuable military exposure while Pakistan’s Armed Forces, who are
fighting the war on terror, have rich experience in counter terrorism
operations.
Federal
Minister conveyed gratitude for facilitating provision of military equipment to
Pakistan Air Force. He further emphasized on the need to explore areas of
cooperation in the field of joint defence production. Minister for Defence
reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and stable Afghanistan through Afghan
owned and Afghan led process.
During the meeting latest security
situation along Pak-Afghan Border and Pakistan’s commitment to peace and
stability in the region came under discussion. The Defence Minister stated that
Pakistan is fully committed to eradicate extremism through National Action Plan
(NAP), operation Zarb-e-Azb and Rad-ul-Fasad.