KARACHI, June 5: Eritrea seeks to strengthen political, economic, social, cultural and defence cooperation with Pakistan which are expected to get a big boost when President Isaias Afewerki visits Pakistan in February next.

This has been stated by Eritrean Defence Minister Gen Sebhat Ephrem Emmanuel, who is leading a high-powered delegation of his country’s armed forces. Members of the delegation include commander-in-chiefs of Eritrean navy and air force.

Talking to media on Sunday night at the residence of honorary Consul of Eritrea, Shakil Kashmirwala, Gen Emmanuel did not deny that his visit was also aimed at looking at the suitability of Pakistani military products for his country, but emphasised that it was focused on strengthening institutions and human resource.

“We are talking about something bigger, cooperation. We have visited all the facilities and have witnessed the proficiency and efficiency of the ordnance establishments here in Pakistan, he said.

The minister was impressed by Pakistani military institutions he visited after having been to China, and termed them ‘centres of excellence’, saying that they had given Pakistan the capability of deterrence and stability.

“We have learnt a lot and that’s what we would like to carry back home and then decide what to do in these fields, starting from institutions to ordnance factories and then to tangible experience of this country in its endeavour to achieve self-reliance. I think these are something serious lessons we have learnt,” said the minister.

The Pakistan Navy had helped Eritrea, the strategically located in the Horns of Africa, in training of its personnel and setting up its training institution and its curricula.

Inclusion of the commander-in-chiefs of the Eritrean navy and air force did hint at that country’s interest in Pakistani products. Pakistan was already looking for an expanded market for its Mashaq trainers and small naval boats besides other weapon systems, including APCs, tanks and anti-tank weapon systems. But at this point of time, PAF’s cooperation with Eritrea is likely to remain confined to the training aspect.

The Eritrean defence minister recalled that the relationship between Pakistan and Eritrea was rooted in history, and said that Pakistan had always been a supporter of Eritrea and its cause. He recalled Pakistan’s role in pleading Eritrean cause in the international forum, and said the visit was also aimed at paying tribute the people of Pakistan and their leadership for their support.

He termed the visit as ‘productive’ and ‘very much effective’, saying: “We have learnt a lot from the experience here in Pakistan because we’re having more or less similar situation at home.”

The Eritrean ambassador to Pakistan Abdu Mohammad Heggi, Naval Commander-in-Chief Maj-Gen Humed Karikare, Air Force Commander-in-Chief Brig-Gen Teklai Kiflay, Maj-Gen Omer Hassen Tewil, Maj-Gen Ghebregabiher Andemariam, Maj-Gen Philiop Weldeh Annes, Maj-Gen Haile Samuel, Brig-Gen Abdu Mohammed Omer, Brig-Gen Abraham Andom, Brig-Gen Abrha Kasa and Col Berhane Haile were the other members of the delegation.