ISLAMABAD, April 28: Pakistan and Turkey on Wednesday discussed setting up defence joint ventures, including a project to produce unmanned aerial drones, state televisions said.

Turkish Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Rao Sikander Iqbal soon after his arrival here at the head of a six-member delegation. "Both sides underscored the need for undertaking a joint venture for the production of unmanned aerial vehicle," state television said.

It quoted Rao as telling Gonul "Pakistan attaches special importance to its relations with Turkey which are deep rooted in the history." Gonul, who is on a five-day official visit to Pakistan, said his country backed the idea of joint production of unmanned aircraft. Apart from cooperation in the field of defence, Gonul also emphasized the need to promote and enhance bilateral trade relations, it said. -AFP