Pakistan’s defense minister offers to train Iraqi armed forces

Wishing to extend the relationship with Iraq, Pakistan has offered to train personnel of Iraqi armed forces at the military training facilities in the country.

In his meeting with Iraqi envoy Hamid Abbas Lafta, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said that Pakistan has the best training facilities and infrastructure for its armed forces, which is also being availed by other countries. He said several countries are availing these facilities for training related to special services group and counterterrorism.

He continued that both countries should also build capacities of their armed forces and work closely to share their experiences. Khattak further said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relation with Iraq and wishes to expand cooperation in all fields of mutual interests, especially in defence.

"Pakistan strongly supports the sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity of Iraq," the defence minister said.

Lafta also reaffirmed the commitment of the people and the government of Iraq to working closely with Pakistan.