Pakistan, S.Arabia to step up cooperation to curb human, narcotics trafficking

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday decided to further enhance their cooperation in curbing human and drug trafficking and combating terrorism.

The decision came during a meeting between Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and a visiting Saudi delegation led by the Director General of Border Guards of the kingdom, Talal bin Mohsin Ali.

The two sides would install modern equipment on borders to further strengthen security for eradication of human and narcotics smuggling and terrorism, Pakistan news agency APP reported.

The meeting decided that both sides would consider starting training programs for law enforcing agencies personnel.

Sherpao informed the visiting delegation that Pakistan had taken concerted measures, including introduction of machine readable passport and installation of modern equipment at border points.

Pakistan was ready to extend its cooperation to Saudi Arabia in this connection, he added.

The minister said the two countries could develop closer contacts, especially in energy infrastructure, information technology and construction sectors.

"We are encouraging businessman and investors in Saudi Arabia to avail opportunities created by our liberal investment policies, " he said, adding that decisions of the 7th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held early last year were followed up to further deepen bilateral economic relations.

Sherpao said Pakistan could offer skilled manpower and specialists in the medical, IT, industrial, construction and maintenance sectors to Saudi Arabia.

Ali said Saudi Arabia respected and appreciated the role of Pakistan in curbing terrorism and added that the kingdom would cooperate with Pakistan in every sector.

He said Saudi Arabia would take benefit from the expertise of Pakistan in the fields of border security and training courses for civil forces personnel.

Source: Xinhua