The Chief of South African Air Force, Lieutenant General C. Gagiano, called on Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal on Thursday. Minister for State for Defence Zahid Hamid was also present during the call. They discussed matters pertaining to the enhancement of bilateral co-operation between the two countries particularly in the field of defence.

Both sides underlined the need for greater co-operation between Pakistan and South Africa. The meeting also stressed the need for more collaboration in the area of training between the armed forces of the two countries.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Pakistan Dr Igor Polikha also called on the Defence Ministers and discussed with them matters of mutual interest.

The envoy apprised the ministers about the extraordinary contribution and treatment provided by the Ukrainian Field Hospital at Bisham, NWFP, to the earthquake victims. He informed the ministers that Ukrainian Medical Team at Bisham had provided treatment to about 11,000 patients badly wounded by the devastating earthquake.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005