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

Talking to Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta who called on him here, He said both Pakistan and Iraq should work closely to share their experiences and build capacities of their Armed Forces. He said Pakistan strongly supports sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. He said Pakistan has developed best training facilities and infrastructure for its Armed Forces and numerous foreign countries are availing these facilities, especially training related, to counter terrorism.

He encouraged visiting dignitary to avail more training facilities in Pakistan. In his remarks, Iraqi Ambassador reaffirmed commitment of people and government of Iraq to work closely with Pakistan and further strengthen their bilateral relations, especially in field of defence.