RAWALPINDI, Dec 27: Spain has offered technical training for the country’s armed forces, specially for the Pakistan Navy. The offer came during a meeting between Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and his Spanish counterpart Jose Bono, here on Tuesday. The Spanish minister is on a visit to Pakistan heading a 60-member defence delegation.

During the meeting Pakistan and Spain reiterated their mutual desire to further intensify bilateral cooperation in divergent fields, particularly in defence.

Both sides discussed different subjects including defence cooperation, drug trafficking, war against terrorism and the geo- political environment of the region.

The meeting emphasized the need for exchange of defence delegations to broaden the scope of cooperation.

The defence minister informed the Spanish delegation about counter-terrorism efforts made by Pakistan. They also highlighted steps taken against combating the menace of drug trafficking.

The Spanish defence minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and contributions. Mr Bono expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the devastation caused by the Oct 8 earthquake and said that Spain would continue to assist Pakistan in this hour of need.

Spanish Chief of the Joint Defence Staff Felix Sanz Roldan, Secretary-General for Defence Political Affairs Francisco Torrente Sanohez, Chief of Army Staff Jose Antonio Garcia Gonzalez and Spanish Ambassador Jose Maria Robles Fraga attended the meeting.

Rear Admiral Ahsanul Haq Chaudhry, additional secretary ministry of defence, and other senior officials of the ministry were also present on the occasion.