Accord with Greece to boost security ties: Deal for four frigates
ATHENS, May 15: Greece will provide four frigates to the Pakistan Navy, two of which will be delivered this year, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here on Monday. The two countries were looking forward to stronger ties in defence and security-related matters and had agreed on the deal, Mr Aziz told the media team accompanying him on his four-nation visit.
Heading a delegation to Athens, including members of his cabinet, senior officials and businessmen, Mr Aziz is scheduled to meet ministers, ship-owners and commerce board members during his two day stay here.
Without giving details of the deal, Mr Aziz said Pakistan was acquiring used frigates. He said two frigates would be delivered this year and the other two in 2007.
The Hellenic Navy uses Elli class frigates and the same will be provided to Pakistan.
Pakistan has been acquiring defence equipment from various countries to meet its defence needs.
MEETING: Pakistan and Greece on Monday agreed on enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism and increasing trade and investment.
The two countries will revive their Joint Economic Commission for forging stronger economic ties.
The decisions came during a meeting here at the Prime Minister’s House between Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Greek counterpart Kostas Karamanlis. The talks covered a wide range of issues, including measures to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Aziz said the two countries enjoyed a multi-faceted relationship and agreed on reviving the Joint Economic Commission to boost business ties between their private sectors for increasing bilateral trade and encouraging closer people-to-people contacts.
He said Pakistan had very close links with the European Union and wanted to further enhance the ties. He said his visit to Greece was also in this connection as it was an important member of the bloc.
The prime minister said that during the meeting the two sides discussed the situation in the region and Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, Iran and India.
He said Pakistan desired a peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute with India through dialogue.—Agencies