Staff Brigadier General M Ahmad Khalifa Al Sulaiti (centre) cuts the cake with Zahid Nasarullah Khan. Pakistan Defence Attache Kalim Shaukat (left) and other guests seen at the event to mark Pakistan Defence Day. (ABDUL BASIT)

DOHA • The Pakistan Embassy observed the Defence Day of Pakistan yesterday. The event was graced by Staff Brigadier General M Ahmad Khalifa Al Sulaiti and Kalim Shaukat, Pakistan Defence Attache.

Qatar and Pakistan enjoy strong ties based on mutual understanding and respect. "The relations between the Armed Forces of the two countries are of special significance. A large number of veterans of Pakistan Armed Forces are rendering useful services in Qatar Armed Forces (QAF) while QAF officers and personnel regularly avail of training in Pakistan. Visits by senior military leadership of both countries in the last few years have been instrumental in cementing the ties," said Shaukat in his speech during the event.

The visit by the Pakistan Navy Chief Admira Afzal Tahir to Doha during of DIMDEX-2008 and the participation of four Pakistan Navy ships and a submarine in the maritime exhibition highlights the importance of this bilateral relation, he said.

Pakistan will be holding its third International Defence Exhibition and seminar IDEAS 2008 next month. Participation of senior QAF personnel in this exhibition would open new vistas of co-operation," he said.

"Pakistan strives for peace in the region and supports resolution of all disputes through peaceful means. Pakistan Armed Forces have been making significant contributions towards the UN peace-keeping operations, providing humanitarian assistance globally in case of natural disasters and are playing an active role in the war on terror for the sake of peace. The geo-strategic environment in our region poses serious challenges and places extra responsibilities on our shoulders."