ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: A French military delegation on Tuesday held talks with Pakistani military officials on defence industry cooperation, officials said.

Rear Admiral Jean Louis Barbier, director of the French armament department, met with Secretary for Defence Production Division, Air Marshal (retd) Zahid Anis, they said.

The French admiral was briefed about Pakistan’s defence capabilities and production projects, a defence ministry statement said.

“They reviewed the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and France and expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved.” They also discussed maintenance of the French-supplied Mirage aircraft, French officials said.

They said the visit was aimed at preparing for the annual meeting of the Pakistan-France Armament Commission scheduled in Paris next month.

On Monday, Admiral Barbier visited Pakistan Navy Headquarters in Islamabad and met with the Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon.

“France is the major supplier of naval platforms and weaponry to Pakistan and both the countries enjoy long and trustworthy relations,” officials said.—AFP