Iraqi Navy chief in Pakistan discussing defense cooperation
EghtesadOnline: Iraqi Navy Commander Major General Ahmed Jasim Maarij has met Pakistan Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif and his Pakistani counterpart Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah to discuss issues of mutual interests and cooperation in the field of defense.
“Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan defense minister offered Iraqi Armed Forces personnel to avail training courses in Pakistan Armed Forces Training Institutions, 'an official statement by the Pakistani side said.
According to IRNA, the military statement further said the Pakistani minister for defense emphasized on the need for 'on Job training programs' in the field of Hydrographic and employment of Pakistan Navy survey officers for establishing Hydrographic setups in Iraq.
Both sides also emphasized the importance of reciprocal visits by Armed Forces delegations and personnel, especially for promoting training and logistic programs.
They said Development of defense industries, may be planned in a bid to further mutual cooperation between Iraq and Pakistan.
The Pakistani defense minister also offered Pakistan Air Force services to develop IT infrastructure of the Iraqi Air Force as well as establishing a quality control program for the Iraqi Air Force based on the Pakistan Air Force model.
Both sides also agreed on establishing comprehensive intelligence and information sharing mechanisms for confronting terrorism.
Major General Ahmed Jasim Maarij also held a separate meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad to discuss technical issues, said the military statement.
The Iraqi official also met with Pakistan Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Rashad Mahmood.
The visit is expected to greatly enhance the bilateral cooperation between the Pakistani and Iraqi Navies.