Sheikh Mohammad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain's National Guard, has met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, says an official statement. "Pakistan is a peaceful country and our defense policy is in conformity with the prevailing geo-strategic environment and measures up to our national aspirations," Aziz told the Bahraini commander. He said Pakistan does not nurture aggressive designs against any country. "However, peace is achieved through strength and our defence policy is designed to maintain minimum credible deterrence both in conventional and strategic areas to ensure peace and stability in the region." The Prime Minister said that Pakistan believes in self-reliance and has made progress in enhancing its indigenous capabilities in the area of defence and security. "We are also mindful of the fact that without a strong economy, credible defence of the country is not possible. The economic and political stability achieved by the country has enabled the government provide necessary resources to the armed forces to enable them safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," the Prime Minister said. He said that Pakistan would continue to modernize its Army, Navy and Air Fore to keep them in a state of readiness. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy deep, multifaceted relationship based on common faith, heritage and culture. "The two countries have stood by each other in difficult times and the relationship with Bahrain is a source of strength for Pakistan." --MORE
