Pakistan to boost cooperation with France, Tunisia

ISLAMABAD : The ambassadors of France and Tunisia to Pakistan separately Wednesday called on Defence Minister, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, here and discussed with him matters of common interests.
In his meeting with the Minister, the ambassador of France, Regis de Balenet, said that Pakistan and France enjoyed excellent relations in various fields which needed to be further expanded and enhanced in the areas of trade, economy and defence for the mutual benefits of the two sides.
The meeting also exchanged various on various aspects of defence cooperation.
The minister told the envoy that Pakistan attached utmost significance to its ties with France as the two countries had unanimity of views on regional and international issues.
He said that Pakistan wanted to promote closer economic and defence cooperation with France which was a reliable and dependable friend of Pakistan.
He deeply appreciated the French support in strengthening the defence sector of Pakistan especially the construction of Agosta Submarines, which has greatly contributed towards enhancing the defence capability of the country.
The Minister expressed the hope that France would continue to assist Pakistan in the area of defence.
The ambassador of Tunisia, Zouhaier Dhaouadi, in his meeting with the Minister, underscored the need for developing more robust and closer cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of trade, economy, textile and defence.
He suggested certain ways and means to increase and expand bilateral cooperation in there areas. He told the Minister that the existed enormous economic and trade opportunities between the two sides needed to be capitalised for the mutual benefit of the two countries.