ISLAMABAD, Dec 21: German Defence Minister Dr Franz-Josef Jung arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day official visit to Pakistan for talks on important issues, including defence cooperation.

This the first official trip overseas of the German minister since he assumed office on Nov 22.

Dr Jung will hold meetings with the government authorities and meet the German troops deployed at the Chaklala airbase for taking part in the quake relief work.

The issues to be discussed during Mr Jung’s visit include bilateral defence cooperation, the post-quake situation and the mutual defence training.

Germany has contributed $101.6 million for emergency aid and reconstruction of the quake-hit areas. The long-term commitment now focuses on rebuilding rural housing, developing healthcare and building schools in Azad Kashmir and the NWFP.

Since the late 1950s, 17 Pakistani officers have served in Germany as defence advisors. The number of German defence attaches who have served in Pakistan is 12.