Pakistan, Ukraine strengthen ties, sign MoU on defence

ABU DHABI: Pakistan and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the defence sector on Monday.

The MoU was signed by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and of Ukroboronprom, the Ukrainian Defense Industry, General Director Romanov Roman.

The ceremony was also attended by Chairperson of Heavy Industries Taxila, Lieutenant-General Muhammad Naeem Ashraf, among other Ministry of Defense officials.

The representatives of the two states met during the five-day defence exhibition, titled 'IDEX-2017', currently being held in Abu Dhabi.

The two countries will collaborate on production, rebuilding and modification of tanks, according to the MoU.

“Pakistan and Ukraine’s collaboration on defence sector is integral for regional stability,” said Hussain while speaking on the occasion.

Talking to Geo News, Ukrainian delegation head said “Pakistan and Ukraine are good defence partners. Al-Khalid Tank is an example of our partnership.”  

The partnership between the two states will lead to the production of Al-Khalid tanks in Pakistan. “We will import technology to produce its [the tanks’] engine and parts in Pakistan under the partnership,” remarked Hussain.