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US stressed for transfer of drone tech, CSF reimbursement
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari urged the US administration for early transfer of drone technology to Pakistan and added that the delay in Coalition Support Fund (CSF) arrears is stressing Pakistan's budgetary situationThe president was talking to the United States Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Norton A. Schwartz, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Gen Norton A Schwartz was accompanied by Anne W. Patterson, US Ambassador in Islamabad and senior officials of US Air Force and US embassy in Pakistan.
Matters relating to Pak-US bilateral relations chiefly defence cooperation, Pakistan's fight against extremism and security situation in the region came under discussion during the meeting.
The president said that inclusion of defence dialogue in the ambit of the strategic dialogue framework is also a step in the right direction.
The president urged for mid life up gradation of the F-16s and said that defence collaboration between the two countries must remain strong.
President Zardari urged the US administration for early transfer of drone technology to Pakistan for its effective use by security forces to curb militancy and for its wider public acceptability.
The president also emphasized on expeditious reimbursement of arrears in Coalition Support Fund (CSF) and added that the delay in payment are stressing Pakistan's budgetary situation.
Talking about regional situation, the president said that Pakistan being a responsible country is aware of its obligations and responsibilities and is committed to the peace and stability of the region.
He said that the government looked forward to international assistance in meeting the challenges faced by it. He said that Pakistan needed trade and market access for its products in order to set its economy on the path of stability and prosperity.
United States Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Norton A. Schwartz thanked the President for meeting and said that the government and the people of United States highly appreciate the sacrifices made by the people, security forces and other civilian law enforcing agencies of Pakistan in the war against militants.
Defence Minister Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Secretary General to the President M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary to the President Malik Asif Hayat, Defence Secretary Lt. Gen (R) Syed Athar Ali and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.
Courtesy www.Geo.tv