Pak, US discuss defence cooperation
01 February, 2005
RAWALPINDI, February 02 (Online): A meeting of Pak-US Security Assistance Working Group (SAWG) was held in the Ministry of Defence Production, here on Tuesday.
The meeting was held in friendly and cordial atmosphere and discussed a wide range of issues concerning the defence equipment requirements by the Armed Forces of Pakistan as well as the financial management issues related to foreign military funding.
The meeting was co-chaired by Major General Ali Baz Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence Production and Richard Millies, Deputy Director, Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), USA.
Major General Ali Baz gave a comprehensive presentation on the present and future defence equipment requirements of the Armed Forces of Pakistan being funded through the foreign military sale programme of USA.
The US delegation noted the defence requirements of Pakistan and promised to actively pursue for early release of the defence equipments of Pakistan. The visiting delegation informed the Pakistani side that some of the defence equipment were already in the pipeline while the other were being actively pursued for early release.
Kara Bue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political and Military Affairs, Department of State (USA) gave an elaborate briefing on Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) status to Pakistan by the US and said that Pakistan would be able to avail the facilities under the provisions of MNNA status.
Richard Millies, head of the US delegation, deeply appreciated Pakistan's effort against fighting and curbing the menace of terrorism. The American delegation was comprised of nineteen members including Rear Admiral Moeller, Director Plan and Policy, Centcom, Rear Admiral Craig McDonald, Chief, ODRP US Embassy and Kara Bue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political and Military Affairs, Department of State (USA). It is to be mentioned here that SWAG meeting was part of the Pak-US Defence Consultative Group Forum which will hold its meeting on 3rd February in Ministry of Defence.
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