Pakistan keen to enhance defence cooperation with Ukraine, says COAS

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

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

Army Chief said that Pakistan attaches great importance to furthering bilateral relations with Ukraine and believes that both nations would develop meaningful and long-term relationships through enhanced cooperation.

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

Earlier the COAS also called on H.E. Mr Taran Andrii – Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Serhii Korniichuk — Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant-General Oleksandr Syrskyi – Commander of the Army of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and H.E. Mr Avakov Arsen – Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

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

Both sides agreed to further optimize military to military ties particularly in defence production, training, counter-terrorism, and intelligence domains.

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

Earlier, COAS visited a Military Test Site in Kharkiv region of Ukraine and witnessed field tests of various weapons and equipment, today.

Army Chief took a keen interest in the tests and appreciated the performance of all ranks associated with the projects.

COAS said that defence cooperation between both countries has always been traditionally an important component of our bilateral relations.

Pakistan is keen to enhance defence cooperation with Ukraine based on Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Joint Ventures (JVs) in future as both sides can benefit from each other's experience, he added.