ISLAMABAD, Dec 20: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri said on Tuesday Pakistan would take a final decision on the purchase of F16 aircraft by next year, after studying the needs for reconstruction of quake-devastated areas and international assistance it had received.

Talking to newsmen at Chaklala air base after seeing off US Vice-President Dick Cheney, Mr Kasuri said the government would complete assessment (of the post-quake situation) by next year and then take a final decision (on F16s).

He said the assessment would take into account expected expenditures on reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake-affected areas and the international assistance the country received.

Mr Kasuri said only then the country would decide about the number of the aircraft it would acquire and when.

He said Pakistan could not ignore its defence requirements but due to the October 8 earthquake, it did not enter the deal for F16 aircraft as provision of relief was priority for the government.

Commenting on the visit of Mr Cheney, he said though it was a short visit, it was reflective of strong Pakistan-US ties.

He said during his visit, the US vice-president discussed with President Musharraf bilateral ties and matters of mutual cooperation, besides exchanging views on regional and international issues.

Mr Kasuri said both the leaders discussed Pakistan-US relations and American assistance in the quake relief efforts.

He said Iraq, Afghanistan, Kashmir and composite dialogue between Pakistan and India were also discussed during the meeting.

He said the president highlighted the measures taken for the resolution of the Kashmir issue and told the US vice-president that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through peaceful means and according to the wishes of Kashmiris.

He said the nuclear issue and terrorism were also discussed and the US vice-president appreciated Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to ensure regional and international peace.

Mr Kasuri said Mr Cheney’s visit would promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said Pakistan got tremendous response from the world in the donors’ conference.—APP