ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s armed forces expressed on Wednesday interest in strengthening relations with Australian defence forces.

The interest was conveyed to the visiting Chief of Defence Forces of Australia Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, who met PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt and Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif.

“The air chief assured the visiting dignitary of enhancing cooperation between the two defence forces in general and the air forces in particular,” a Pakistan Air Force statement said.

The two discussed various matters of mutual cooperation.

The army chief said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but determined to defend its territorial integrity at all costs.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin also called on Gen Sharif at the General Headquarters.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, including measures to further enhance defence and security cooperation between both the countries, came under discussion,” the Inter Services Public Relations said.

Earlier, on arrival at GHQ, a contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour to the dignitary. Air Chief Marshal Binskin also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada.

Published in Dawn February 12th , 2015

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