ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to further expand bilateral defence and security cooperation, Pakistan’s military media wing stated in a press release on Wednesday.
According to the military’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the resolve was expressed during a meeting between Lieutenant General Muhannad Ghalib Muhammad Radi Al-Asadi, Commander Iraqi Air Force, and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.
“During the meeting, both dignitaries held detailed discussions on the evolving global and regional geo-strategic landscape,” it said
They underscored the importance of bilateral collaboration for regional peace and stability, reaffirming their resolve to further expand defence and security cooperation between the two brotherly nations, it added.
The ISPR said the visiting dignitary remained appreciative of the professional standards of the Pakistan Armed Forces, their achievements and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and continued efforts towards regional peace and stability.
Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary, the statement concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that in March this year, Iraqi Special Forces completed a two-month counter-terrorism training course at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) at Pabbi in Pakistan.
Pakistan-Iraq cooperation for military training dates back to 1955, under which the Pakistan Army agreed to train Iraqi Special Forces personnel at the request of the Iraqi Army.
In recent years, Pakistan and Iraq have strengthened their ties through enhanced defence cooperation, with Islamabad often offering training to Iraqi security forces.
In 2014, Iraq acquired Super Mushak trainer aircraft from Pakistan, further solidifying the defence relations between the two Muslim-majority countries.
