Defence Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan says Pakistan and Australia have strengthened their relationship by expanding their trade and economic relations.

He was addressing a special ceremony in connection with completion of 70 years of bilateral relations between the two countries at Australian High Commission in Islamabad.

Khurram Dastgir said both the countries are also enjoying cordial relations in various other sectors.

Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson said Pakistan has rendered matchless sacrifices in war against terrorism.

He said the trade relations between two countries have increased up to 18.6 percent in few years.

Australian High Commissioner said education of youth is vital for Pakistan's development and his country is increasing scholarships for Pakistani students.

Ambassadors from different countries and people from different walks of life attended the ceremony. A cake was also cut at the end of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan called on Minister for Defence, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

On the occasion, Defence Minister and the Air Chief discussed the current strategic environment and security challenges facing the country.

The Air Chief assured the Defence Minister that PAF is fully vigilant on all frontiers of the country, and will prevail against all adversaries as Pakistan's first line of defence.

On the occasion, the Minister congratulated the new Air Chief on his appointment and wished him every success in taking PAF forward as a 21st century guardian of the nation's air frontiers.

The Defence Minister offered his full support to the new Air Chief on indigenization, modernization, and advanced training operations of Pakistan Air Force.