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| May 9, 2006 | Tuesday | Rabi-us-Sani 10, 1427 |
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to instal advanced equipment: Curbing smuggling, terrorism
ISLAMABAD, May 8: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday decided to further enhance cooperation in curbing human and drug trafficking and combating terrorism. The decision came during a meeting between Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and a visiting Saudi delegation led by Saudi Border Guards Director-General Lt-Gen Talal bin Mohsin Ali.
According to the interior ministry officials, the two sides would instal modern equipment on borders to further strengthen security for eradication of human and narcotics smuggling and terrorism.
The meeting decided that both sides would consider starting training programmes for law enforcement agencies personnel.
Mr Sherpao informed the visiting Saudi delegation that Pakistan had taken concerted measures, including computerisation of identity cards, introduction of machine readable passports and installation of modern equipment at border points. Pakistan was ready to extend cooperation to Saudi Arabia in this connection, he added.
The minister said the two countries could develop closer contacts, especially in energy infrastructure, information technology and construction sectors.
“We are encouraging businessman and investors in Saudi Arabia to avail opportunities created by our liberal investment policies,” he said, adding that decisions of the 7th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held early last year were followed up to further deepen bilateral economic relations.
Mr Sherpao said Pakistan could offer skilled manpower and specialists in the medical, IT, industrial, construction and maintenance sectors to Saudi Arabia.
He extended his thanks to Saudi Arabia for prompt and generous relief assistance rendered for the earthquake victims in Pakistan.
Lt-Gen Talal bin Mohsin Ali said Saudi Arabia respected and appreciated the role of Pakistan in curbing terrorism and added that the kingdom would cooperate with Pakistan in every sector.
He said Saudi Arabia would benefit from the expertise of Pakistan in the fields of border security and training courses for civil forces personnel.—APP
Our reporter adds: Lt-Gen Talal Bin Mohsin Ali Al Angawi, director-general border guards, Saudi Arabia, has stressed the need for enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between his country and Pakistan in the field of defence.
He expressed these views while visiting Joint Staff Headquarters along with a delegation on Monday.
According to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations, Lt-Gen Talal was received by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Ehsanul Haq, and introduced to the senior officers. He also attended a briefing on ‘Pakistan security perspective’. Matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
Gen Ehsanul Haq expressed his satisfaction over the existing mutual defence cooperation between armed forces of both countries. However, he underlined the need for its enhancement due to available tremendous potential. Both countries need to benefit from each other’s capabilities.
He hoped that the visit would open new vistas of cooperation and collaboration. During the briefing, he also underlined the need for projecting correct image of Islam and urged the West not to associate Islam with terrorism.
Lt-Gen Talal said the objective of his visit was to explore and ensure military cooperation between Pakistan Army and Border Guard of Saudi Arabia. He appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan armed forces.
It may be mentioned here that Lt-Gen Talal Bin Mohsin is a graduate of Command and Staff College Quetta. He along with his delegation is on a seven-day visit to Pakistan.
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