Australia has become 2nd largest capacity building provider for Pakistan armed forces

Islamabad : Australia has become the second largest capacity building provider for Pakistan armed forces.

This was noted during Pakistan, Australia bilateral consultations in Canberra, a message received here Friday said. Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani who participated in 2nd session of Pakistan, Australia bilateral consultations aldo had meetings with Hon. Stephen Smith Defense Minister, Peter Baxter Director General AusAID & Dr Margot McCarthy National Security Adviser.

In his meeting with Defence Minister, Pakistan, Australia defense cooperation, which registered significant growth over past five years was reviewed. Pakistan s role as front line state in war against terror was deeply appreciated by Australian side.

In talks with Director General AusAID, Jilani reviewed scope of Australia s Development Assistance program for Pakistan, within framework of Pak-Australia Development Partnership agreement. Thanking Australia for almost tripling its assistance to Pakistan in last four years, he stressed allocating more resources for agriculture, rural development, increasing numbers of Australian scholarships, particularly in agriculture. Both sides agreed to enhance AusAID assistance in primary education. AusAID will consider training of trainers and teachers from Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary briefed National Security Adviser on Pakistan s ongoing efforts to support Afghan Government in its peace and reconciliation process, Pak-US relations, regional security situation in South Asia and reiterated Pakistan s commitment to fight against extremism, terrorism. At bilateral consultations Australian side was led by Dennis Richardson Secretary DFAT. Bilateral ties, regional, international issues of mutual interest were discussed. Jilani was also invited by Australian Prime Minister Hon. Julia Gillard for dinner she hosted for NATO Secretary General.