General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan on the invitation of his counterpart, General Safar Abiyev spent a busy day here at Baku and held extensive talks with top Azeri political and military leadership including the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister. The CJCSC also visited the �Alley of Honour� and �Alley of Martyrs� to pay homage to the National Leader of Azerbaijan and Azeri Martyrs respectively and laid floral wreaths on behalf of the people of Pakistan.

HE Mr Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, thanked Pakistan for its consistent support to Azerbaijan at international foras and reiterated the desire for expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation with Pakistan. He appreciated Pakistan�s comprehensive approach and successful efforts for eradication of terrorism and to bring peace and stability in South Asian region. He also assured unequivocal support to Pakistan in its efforts to overcome the challenges it faces today.

Appreciating Azerbaijan�s resolute support on matters of vital national interest to Pakistan, General Tariq said that Pakistan values its relations with Azerbaijan which are bonded by common roots, mutual trust and convergence of interests. Pakistan evinces genuine desire to comprehensively upgrade the bilateral cooperation to make this relationship broad based and mutually beneficial, encompassing economic, diplomatic and defense fields. "We have excellent political relations but the economic ties and defence cooperation, especially in military industrial sector remain far below their actual potential, therefore, the need to inject greater dynamism and vitality in mutual cooperation" he added. Highlighting the scope of defense and security ties between the two countries, CJCSC said that besides eradication of terrorism and violent extremism, energy security, food security and environmental degradation are the emerging challenges that require close collaboration for building respective capacities to develop effective responses.

Earlier in the morning General Tariq Majid was received by General Safar Abiyev at the Ministry of Defense and presented a guard of honour. Later, during the official talks both the leaders discussed at length the emerging security challenges, matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation and specific measures to bolster defense ties between the two Armed Forces.

During the meeting with Azeri Foreign Minister, Mr Elamar Mammadyarov at the Foreign Ministry, both the leaders agreed on the need for regular consultations and evolving shared policy positions on various international issues.

Later in the evening a reception was hosted by General Safar Abiyev in the honour of CJCSC and his delegation.

General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting with Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of Republic of Azerbaijan alongwith his entourage at Baku, Azerbaijan. 7-10-2009 - (Photo ISPR)

General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee reviewing guard of honour at Ministry of Defence Azerbaijan, Baku. 7-10-2009 - (Photo ISPR)

Deputy Speaker National Assembly Mr Faisal Karim Kundi inaugurated the 10 National Security Workshop � 2009 being held at the National Defence University, Islamabad. Senators, Members National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies and legislative Assembly AJK, Nazims and distinguished members both from public and private sectors are participating in the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Speaker National Assembly Mr Faisal Karim Kundi congratulated the participants for their nomination to attend such a professional activity. He commended the efforts of National Defence University who accepted the challenge of running workshop of such a nature, first of its kind in Pakistan. This institute is in formation stages but we envisage that once it is up and running one of its key functions should be to invite senior security personnel of the country to acquaint them with the functioning of Parliament. While addressing the participants he further said that, "this National Security Workshop aims to acquaint you with the process and methodology of formulating National Policies and Strategies through an institutionalized approach. I am positive that your stay at the National Defence University will be professionally rewarding. I am also confident that through this workshop leadership from various tiers including politicians, business community, media, civil society, professionals, local governments as well as the military will not only find great opportunity to debate the National Security Issues but also contributes in the overall effort of reducing the communication gap between various segments of the society to understand each others view point".

The Deputy Speaker later mixed up with the participants and the faculty members during refreshments.

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Deputy Speaker National Assembly Mr Faisal Karim Kundi group photographed with the participants of 10 National Security Workshop at Inauguration Session National Defence University Islamabad on Wednesday. (7-10-2009) � Photo ISPR