ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: Pakistan and Spain on Thursday agreed to increase cooperation, particularly in the field of defence.

The agreement was reached in talks between Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the Spanish Defence Minister, Mr Bono, in Madrid, according to message received on Thursday from the Spanish capital.

Both sides stressed the need for establishing a high level forum to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The Spanish side desired to hold joint naval exercises. Both the countries underscored the need for exchanging training courses between armed forces of the two countries.

Mr Sikandar apprised his counterpart about the role played by Pakistan against the war on terror. He told the Spanish Defence Minister that Pakistan, under the leadership of President Gen Pervez Musharraf, was making all out efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and extremism.

The Spanish side acknowledged the role played by Pakistan in this regard. Earlier, on his arrival at the Spanish Defence Ministry, Mr Sikandar was presented the guard of honour.

The minister also visited defence establishments such as aeronautical complex, shipyard and other important military installations. The minister also invited the Spanish Defence Minister to visit Pakistan. The Spanish Defence Minister agreed to visit Pakistan. The visit is likely to take place in April this year.

Mr Sikandar also held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Spain, Miguel Angel Moratinos Cuyaube, and discussed with him matters pertaining to the enhancement of mutual cooperation between the two countries. The minister briefed the Spanish Foreign Minister on the ongoing composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan. -APP