ISLAMABAD, July 24: Australia has assured Pakistan of cooperation in controlling human smuggling and facilitating immigration through legal means.

This assurance was given by Australian minister for immigration, cultural and indigenous affairs Philip Ruddock during his meeting with interior minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat here on Thursday.

The visiting minister said Australia will provide technical assistance to Pakistan and its experts will impart training to Pakistani immigration staff.

Issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting including bilateral and multilateral cooperation on human smuggling, irregular immigration, nationalities and identity checking.

The Australian minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in controlling terrorism and the initiatives taken to control illegal immigration.

He welcomed Pakistan’s transition to democratic system and praised the efforts taken by the government for restoration of democracy by holding free and fair elections.

Mr Ruddock was accompanied by secretary, department of immigration, multicultural and indigenous affairs, media adviser to the minister, high commissioner of Australia, counsellor (immigration) and first secretary (immigration).

Mr Ruddock invited Mr Hayat to visit Australia for witnessing the Australian system in the field of immigration and passports and identifying potential areas in which Pakistan could get benefit from the Australians.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr Hayat highlighted the steps taken by the government to control human smuggling including the enactment of Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance-2002.

He said Federal Investigation Agency has been assigned a task to check illegal trafficking and the government was providing training, equipment and logistic support to the FIA staff from its available resources.

The interior minister asked the Australian delegation to help Pakistan by absorbing Pakistani labour in its country through legal channels.

He said efforts needed to increase the bilateral trade between the two countries.