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| December 23, 2005 | Friday | Ziqa’ad 20, 1426 |
Accord signed with Germany: Classified military information
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22: Pakistan and Germany on Friday signed an agreement on protection of classified military information. The agreement was signed by German Defence Minister Dr Franz Josef Jung and Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal. Under the agreement, control procedures would be established to manage the access to classified military information.
Later, talking to newsmen, the German defence minister said the two countries had agreed to enhance defence cooperation.
He said Germany would continue to cooperate with Pakistan in the field of military training.
Over 250 Pakistani officers have undergone courses in Germany, and Germany benefited from the level of excellence at educational institutions of Pakistan Armed Forces, National Defence College in Islamabad and Command and Staff College in Quetta, under the military training programme.
He said that Pakistan would play an important role in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in April 2006. He did not elaborate.
He said both Pakistan and Germany were committed to fight against terrorism.
Dr Jung expressed solidarity with the earthquake victims and assured that Germany would continue to assist the people affected by the earthquake.
The German minister also held a meeting with Senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal. Minister of State for Defence Zahid Hamid, Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces Gen Wolfgang, German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Gunter Mulack and other senior officials of the two countries also attended the meeting.
A press release issued by the ministry said, efforts and contribution made by Pakistan’s security forces in curbing terrorism, including their efforts at sea by participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan, were highlighted during the meeting.
The German minister, it said, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and promised to provide necessary assistance in terms of equipment and training.
The German side also expressed satisfaction over efforts made by Pakistan’s agencies concerned in curbing narcotics trafficking.
Earlier, on his return after a brief visit to Kabul, the German Defence Minister handed over additional medical aid and equipment worth $290,000 to Chief Secretary of AJK Kashif Murtaza at Chaklala Air Base.
The minister said four CH 54 helicopters would remain engaged in relief activities till February 2006, adding that the date may be extended if it was requested by the government of Pakistan.
He said 61 German soldiers were currently engaged in relief operations in the quake-hit areas of Pakistan. Germany has so far contributed $101.6 million for the relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the earthquake victims.
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