Process of declaring Pakistan MNNA "to be speeded up" DoD

WASHINGTON, Apr 6 (APP)- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Defense, Peter Rodman Monday expressed great pleasure over the renewed Pakistan- U.S. relations, particularly in the field of defense.

In a meeting held by Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi at the Department of Defense (DoD), Secretary Rodman referred to the U.S.-Pakistan cooperation in different areas of pursuit.

One recent example, he stated "is designation as Major Non-NATO Ally status to Pakistan."

Mr. Rodman assured the Ambassador of his best efforts in speeding up the procedure for President Bush to formally declare Pakistan as Major Non-NATO Ally.

The two sides discussed various types of equipment and spares. Mr. Rodman assured of his fullest cooperation in the field of various defense equipment, and indicated that the process of providing equipment and spares will continue.

Secretary Rodman also pointed out that the next year's budgeting proposal of the Bush Administration includes funds for foreign military financing as is the case for the current year.

Ambassador Qazi reaffirmed Pakistan Government's commitment to continue steps against terrorist elements and briefed him on the recent operation on Pakistan-Afghan border.

Mr. Rodman praised Pakistan's policies, specially the bold and courageous decisions taken by President General Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan-India relations and Iraq were also discussed in the meeting.