ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: The visiting army chief of Bangladesh, Gen Moeen U. Ahmed, has expressed interest in purchasing military equipment from Pakistan and sought the country’s assistance in upgrading a fleet of T-59 tanks through a joint venture.

He met the Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee Chairman, Gen Tariq Majid, on Tuesday.

The Bangladesh’s army chief, who is here on a six-day official visit, also held meetings with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar.

During his meeting with the JCSC chairman, he showed interest in obtaining assistance in the overhauling of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) aircraft, holding of Special Forces joint exercises with Pakistan and the purchase of communications equipment.

Gen Moeen also proposed to exchange instructors at the staff college level on mutual basis. He exchanged views focusing on matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhancement of defence ties.

Gen Tariq Majid highlighted the importance of special relations that exist between the two countries, which are characterised by religious affinity and commonality of views.

Both expressed satisfaction on the present level of military cooperation and stressed to further enhance the ties by holding joint training exercises, courses, joint venture in defence production and purchase of defence equipment.

Gen Majid said that Pakistan and Bangladesh share common perception on regional and international issues and emphasised the need to enhance common efforts and cooperation to further develop upon common objectives.

Gen Moeen U Ahmed visited the General Headquarters and called on Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

Both sides agreed to enhance their existing level of defence relationship.

They also discussed strategic issues to develop common understanding.

On arrival at the General Headquarters, General Moeen U Ahmed was presented a guard of honour. He reviewed the parade and took salute from smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army.

During his meeting with the defence minister, the two sides expressed the desire to intensify bilateral cooperation in the area of defence.

The meeting exchanged views on various aspects of defence cooperation and underscored the need for enhanced interaction between the armed forces of the two countries, besides promoting people-to-people contacts between the two Muslim countries.

The minister briefed Gen Moeen about the potential of the defence industry of Pakistan.

He highlighted the combat capability of JF-17 Thunder Aircraft, Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar tanks.

It was agreed to increase exchanges at different levels and strengthen the existing linkage for mutual benefits of the two sides.

The minister apprised visiting dignitary about recently concluded visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China.

He said the visit proved highly fruitful and successful, because China- an all weather friend of Pakistan- signed agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan to strengthen strategic partnership, reinforce multi-faceted relations and intensify economic, trade and defence cooperation.