BD shows interest in defence equipment: Dawn

By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: The visiting army chief of Bangladesh, Gen Moeen U. Ahmed, has expressed interest in purchasing military equipment from Pakistan and sought the country�s assistance in upgrading a fleet of T-59 tanks through a joint venture.

He met the Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee Chairman, Gen Tariq Majid, on Tuesday.

The Bangladesh�s army chief, who is here on a six-day official visit, also held meetings with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar.

During his meeting with the JCSC chairman, he showed interest in obtaining assistance in the overhauling of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) aircraft, holding of Special Forces joint exercises with Pakistan and the purchase of communications equipment.

Gen Moeen also proposed to exchange instructors at the staff college level on mutual basis. He exchanged views focusing on matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhancement of defence ties.

Gen Tariq Majid highlighted the importance of special relations that exist between the two countries, which are characterised by religious affinity and commonality of views.

Both expressed satisfaction on the present level of military cooperation and stressed to further enhance the ties by holding joint training exercises, courses, joint venture in defence production and purchase of defence equipment.

Gen Majid said that Pakistan and Bangladesh share common perception on regional and international issues and emphasised the need to enhance common efforts and cooperation to further develop upon common objectives.

Gen Moeen U Ahmed visited the General Headquarters and called on Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

Both sides agreed to enhance their existing level of defence relationship.

They also discussed strategic issues to develop common understanding.

On arrival at the General Headquarters, General Moeen U Ahmed was presented a guard of honour. He reviewed the parade and took salute from smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: BD shows interest in defence equipment: Dawn