ISLAMABAD, Feb 5: Two high-powered defence delegations from Britain and Turkey, with similar agendas of strengthening defence ties with Pakistan, reached here on Tuesday night.

The British defence delegation, led by secretary of state for defence Mr Geoff Hoon, has arrived in pursuance of an understanding reached between the two countries during the British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s visit for re-establishing Defence Cooperation Forum.

The delegation, during its day-visit to the capital, would call on President Gen Pervez Musharraf besides holding discussions with secretary defence and chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Gen Aziz Khan.

On arrival, Mr Hoon said all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue adding that tension in the region was a matter of concern for the international community.

“The United Kingdom, and indeed the whole international community, want to see these tensions reduced. We hope that all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan can be resolved through dialogue. Regional stability in South Asia matters to us all,” he said.

He lauded President Gen Musharraf for taking a courageous and principled decision for supporting international coalition in its war against terrorism.

“Pakistan and President Musharraf have won friends and admirers around the world for the brave stance taken,” he said.

“The coalition campaign that is being waged against international terrorism with its particular focus on Afghanistan has obviously posed many difficult problems for Pakistan,” he added.

Mr Blair’s visit to Islamabad in early January had further strengthened bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, he said.

“We look forward to closer cooperation in the commercial, judicial and defence spheres.” He said he was delighted that the Defence Cooperation Forum was being re-establish and expected to meet in London next month.

This was established in 1995 to provide a framework for the UK and Pakistan to pursue common defence objectives.

The Turkish delegation led by Turkish defence minister Sabahetti Cakmakoglu. Turkish delegation would meet minister for communication, Javed Ashraf, before a formal call on President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

The Turkish delegation would also visit Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). It would be arriving in Lahore on Thursday.