Pakistan, Ukraine agree to optimize military to military ties

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Ukraine have agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in defence production, training, counter terrorism and intelligence domains.

An understanding to this effect came during Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s separate meetings with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal Denys and Deputy Prime Minister Uruskyi Oleh, during his official visit to Ukraine.

During the meetings, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including recent developments in Afghan Peace Process and enhanced bilateral and defence cooperation in various fields were discussed.

The COAS said that Pakistan attaches great importance to furthering bilateral relations with Ukraine and believes that both nations would develop meaningful and long term relationship through enhanced cooperation.

Both dignitaries appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region, especially the Afghan Peace Process.

Earlier, General Bajwa also called on Minister of Defence of Ukraine Taran Andrii, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Serhii Korniichuk, Commander of the Army of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Oleksandr Syrskyi and Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Avakov Arsen.

On arrival at the Ministry of Defence, the COAS was presented a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out military contingent.

Besides mutual and professional interests, matters of defence and security collaboration between both countries and overall regional security situation were discussed, during the meetings.

The dignitaries appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region and reiterated Ukraine’s desire for enhancing bilateral cooperation in all domains.

Pakistan is keen to enhance defence cooperation with Ukraine on the basis of Transfer of Technology and Joint ventures in future as both sides can benefit from each other’s experience.

According to ISPR, this was stated by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to a Military Test Site in Kharkiv region of Ukraine today.

He also witnessed field tests of various weapons and equipment and took keen interest in the tests and appreciated the performance of all ranks associated with the projects.

The Army Chief said defence cooperation between both countries has always been traditionally an important component of our bilateral relations.