Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and wishes to expand cooperation in all fields of mutual interests especially defence.

He expressed these views while talking to Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta, who called on him in Islamabad today.

The Defence Minister said both Pakistan and Iraq should work closely to share their experiences and build capacities of their Armed Forces.

He said Pakistan strongly supports the sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.

Khawaja Asif said Pakistan has developed the best training facilities and infrastructure for its Armed Forces and numerous foreign countries are availing these facilities, especially the training related, to counter terrorism. He encouraged the visiting dignitary to avail more training facilities in Pakistan.

In his remarks, the Iraqi Ambassador reaffirmed the commitment of the people and the government of Iraq to work closely with Pakistan and further strengthen their bilateral relations, especially in the field of defence.