ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif Tuesday reiterated that Saudi Arabia was of pivotal importance to Pakistan and any danger to the its territorial integrity would be a matter of great concern for it.
Commenting on the current situation of Yemen, he said,"We have a traditional relationship with Saudi Arabia and it is very dear to us."
The minister was talking to Chief of German Naval Staff Admiral Andreas Krause who called on him here, said a press release issued by the Defence Ministry.
Explaining the position on Pak-Afghan relations, he said with the change of government in Afghanistan, "we now enjoy a good relationship where consolidated efforts to curb terrorism are collectively handled."
Now there were no good and bad Taliban and there was a unanimity on both the sides, he added.
Explaining the regional situation facing Pakistan, he said the country was the only country whose army was actively engaged in fighting the war of the world.
The menace of terrorism was spreading to the world and it was Pakistan and its armed forces, which were fighting the menace and giving away their lives to save the world, he added.
Khawaja Asif said that this part of the world had been a hot bed of terrorism. "We take a lot of pride in the fact that our armed forces are combating primarily for our future."
The minister said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Germany.
"We want that defence ties with Germany are enhanced and cooperation increased.
This will also help in smoothing people-to-people contact," he added.
He highlighted regionally stability, security and peace were common goals.
The minister thanked the German government for donation of ambulances and medical equipment for the capacity building of Pakistan Armed Forces on gratis basis.
He also thanked the German Naval Chief on acknowledgement of Pakistan's support, contribution and sacrifices in the war on terror.
He appreciated positive growth of Pak-German bilateral relations and emphasized further enhancement of ties, particularly in the field of defence.
Khawaja Asif appreciated signing of a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation in March 2012 and expressed the hope that it would further enhance strong military to military relations.
The meeting proved fruitful for both the countries in creating an understanding.
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