https://arab.news/yz8rh
- The forum aims to enhance bilateral security cooperation, particularly in defense production and technology
- Both sides agree modern technological advancements necessitate increased defense industrial cooperation
KARACHI: A top Pakistani general reaffirmed his country’s commitment to building the capacity of the Royal Saudi Defense Forces this week while attending a bilateral forum in Riyadh, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, on Saturday.
The Pakistan-KSA Bilateral Defense Industrial Forum is a platform aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of defense production and technology.
The 7th meeting of the forum took place in Riyadh on Thursday, during which Pakistan’s tri-services delegation, led by Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lt.-Gen. Muhammad Avais Dastgir, discussed a wide range of security-related issues.
“During the meeting, the CGS affirmed Pakistan’s continuing support towards capacity building of Royal Saudi Defence Forces,” the ISPR said.
Pakistan has regularly trained Saudi military officials and shared its professional expertise with the kingdom in various defense-related areas.
The official statement said that Saudi officials also “acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements and sacrifices in war against terrorism and its valuable contributions towards regional peace and stability.”
The bilateral forum also focused on challenges to global and regional security and their implications for the defence forces.
Both sides noted that rapid advancements in modern technologies necessitated further enhancing defense industrial cooperation in critical capabilities between the two states.
“In this context, progress of ongoing areas of collaboration was reviewed while new areas of collaboration were also agreed,” the ISPR said.