May 31, 2007	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 14, 1428

RAWALPINDI, May 30: Pakistan and Indonesia on Wednesday agreed to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, particularly in the area of defence. This unanimity of views emerged during a meeting between Senior Federal Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and Indonesia Army’s Chief of Staff Gen Djoke Santoso at the Ministry of Defence.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, both sides discussed ways and means to further promote and enhance military cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The minister told the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed excellent relations which needed to be further strengthened by exchange of visits at various levels and training in each other’s institutions.

The minister briefed Gen Djoke Santoso about the capability of the defence industry of Pakistan.

Gen Djoke Santoso lauded the potential and defence production capability of Pakistan.

The visiting dignitary told the minister that Indonesia attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan, and wanted these ties to be further increased, especially interaction and cooperation between armed forces of the two brotherly countries.

The Indonesian army chief thanked the government of Pakistan for extending him and his entourage a warm welcome and hospitality during the visit.

He also thanked the government for providing aid to Indonesia when tsunami struck the region.