AMMAN Ñ Jordan and Pakistan have concluded a round of talks in an
effort to expand defense and military relations.
The talks took place last month during the visit of Pakistani Chief of
Staff. Gen. Mohammed Aziz Khan to Jordan. Khan met Jordanian military and
political leaders during his stay.
Jordanian officials said Khan reviewed with his hosts defense and
military relations. They said the two sides agreed to draft proposals to
expand ties.
One proposal being examined, the officials said, would increase joint
training and exercises. They said this would include the exchange of
intelligence and military expertise.
Pakistan has appealed to Arab allies to expand military cooperation and
purchase weapons and systems from Islamabad. Pakistan is said to have
offered Gulf Cooperation Council states and other Arab countries help in
establishing weapons production facilities.
The government plans to double the export target for weapons and
ordnance from the existing $80-$85 million during 2003.
Officials said Jordan has expressed interest in expanding its production
facilities in armored systems as well as establishing an assembly line for
air and naval components. Jordan has launched joint cooperation for the
coproduction of an infantry fighting vehicle with the United Arab Emirates,
a key ally of Pakistan.
For its part, Pakistan has offered Jordan the Al Khalid tank and a range
of armored personnel carriers. Islamabad has also been marketing the Talha
APC.
Pakistan's state-owned Heavy Industries Taxila has developed the
prototype of the Talha. The APC is nearly identical to the U.S. M113.
