Pakistan and South Africa on Monday signed a defence deal with Pakistan that will entail increased military cooperation between the two countries at a ceremony held at the defency ministry in Rawalpindi.

The agreement signed by the two countries includes the purchase of military equipment, training of armed forces, and enhanced defence cooperation overseen by a bilateral defence committee.

South Africa's Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Affairs N.N Mapisa Nqakula, who represented her country, reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak training aircraft and other defence equipment.

She also agreed to a combined committee that would oversee increased defense co-operation between the two countries, DawnNews reported.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan is developing its relationships with friendly countries like South Africa through defence cooperation agreements, thus reducing its dependence on western countries.

Nqakula also called on Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters, a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including defence and security cooperation between both countries and the overall regional security situation, the ISPR statement said.

The minister expressed her appreciation for Pakistan Army’s successes in eliminating terrorism in the country, the statement added.