May 14, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 8, 1429

RAWALPINDI, May 13: Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar assured Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday that the government was fully committed to modernising the armed forces to enable it to effectively meet internal and external challenges.

At a meeting with the COAS at the Defence Ministry, Mr Mukhtar reiterated that the government would maintain minimum credible deterrence for safeguarding national frontiers.

The COAS informed the minister about the requirements, future development plans and operational preparedness of the armed forces.

The minister said the government was aware of the requirements of the armed forces and would take steps to meet their needs and strengthen their defence capability.

Mr Mukhtar appreciated the steps taken by the COAS for the welfare of soldiers and said that the government would provide necessary resources for the purpose.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Sudan have agreed to increase cooperation in divergent fields, particularly in the area of defence.

According to a statement issued after a meeting between the defence minister and the visiting Chief of Naval Staff of Sudan, Vice Admiral Al Zain Hamad Ballah Hussain, both sides discussed matters of bilateral importance and underlined the need for robust defence cooperation.

The minister said that Pakistan and Sudan enjoyed cordial and close relations in various fields which needed to invigorated to the benefit of both sides.

Vice Admiral Ballah Hussain said his country was keen to expand ties with Pakistan because the two countries had commonality of perceptions on regional and international issues.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of training and exchange of delegations at political and military levels. The meeting also emphasised the need for promoting military-to-military cooperation between the two countries.