ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Pakistan was a responsible country and committed to non-proliferation and non-transfer of sensitive technology, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said on Monday during a meeting with John Hutton, who recently replaced Des Brown as British Secretary of State for Defence.

They exchanged views on defence cooperation, Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts and relations between Pakistan and India.

They stressed the need to bolster cooperation in trade, economy and defence.

Mr Mukhtar informed his British counterpart about Pakistan’s defence requirements.

Mr Hutton said his country would help Pakistan meet its needs.

He praised Pakistan’s contributions in the war on terror and said both countries needed to work together to eradicate the menace.

Mr Mukhtar said that Pakistan wanted friendly ties with all neighbouring countries, including India, adding that efforts were being made to uncover facts about the Mumbai attacks and the outcome of the investigation would be shared with India. The minister praised the UK’s endorsement of Pakistan’s stance.

Mr Hutton also called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and exchanged views with him on regional security, especially the counter-terrorism effort, developments in Afghanistan and the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. Progress in defence cooperation was also discussed.

Mr Qureshi briefed the British minister on the significant improvements in Pak-Afghan relations and steps taken by the government in the context of the Mumbai incident.

He expressed the hope that India would take rational and cooperative decisions.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also highlighted government’s anti-terrorism efforts, but said there were concerns over cross-border attacks inside Pakistani territory which were counterproductive.

Mr John Hutton expressed satisfaction over the level of defence cooperation and assured Pakistan of his country’s continued support for its fight against extremism and terrorism.