ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday welcomed the recent ratification of the Pakistan–Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in June 2023, for expanding and strengthening defence relations between the two brotherly countries.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Tahir Andrabi, stated this in response to media queries regarding Kuwait’s ratification of the Pakistan–Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2023,

Pakistan has been in negotiations with Kuwait for expanding defence ties, enhancing energy cooperation and bringing investment in different sectors of the economy.

The Kuwaiti Cabinet had reportedly ratified the Defence pact early this month.

According to the Foreign Office, this marks another important milestone in the longstanding defence partnership between the two brotherly countries, dating back to the early 1980s. The spokesperson added, “It also reflects the shared resolve of both sides to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and elevate their security partnership.”

Andrabi remarked that the agreement provides a comprehensive institutional framework for expanding defence cooperation, encompassing military training and education, joint exercises, exchanges of expertise, and other mutually agreed areas of collaboration.

It will further enhance institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of both countries and consolidate the longstanding defence ties between Pakistan and Kuwait.

Pakistan and Kuwait will continue to work closely to implement the Agreement in accordance with its provisions, thereby expanding bilateral defence collaboration, strengthening their enduring defence partnership underpinned by mutual trust, shared interests, and close institutional cooperation, and contributing to regional peace, security and stability.—NAVEED SIDDIQUI