? ? WORLD / Africa Zimbabwe signs defense pact with Pakistan (Xinhua) Updated: 2007-08-2 ? ? WORLD / Africa Zimbabwe signs defense pact with Pakistan (Xinhua) Updated: 2007-08-23 04:52 HARARE -- Zimbabwe's Ministry of Defense signed an agreement with Pakistan on Wednesday that will see the Asian country seconding its armed forces to Zimbabwe, local media reported. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the permanent secretary for Defense Trust Maphosa said the agreement reinforces relations that exist between the two countries in the field of defense particularly in the air force. "This agreement shall actively promote defense cooperation between the defense forces of our two countries, in accordance with international law and the respective national laws of our two countries," Maposa was quoted by New Ziana as saying. Pakistani Ambassador to Zimbabwe Riffat Iqbal said the agreement marked a milestone in cooperation between Zimbabwe and Pakistan. "This event marks our desire to continue the relationship we have with Zimbabwe. We are hoping that we shall also explore other areas of mutual benefit to both our countries," he said. Under the agreement, Pakistan's forces would offer training, guidance and defense advice to Zimbabwe's armed forces. The agreement is for two years but has provisions for extension. Top World News ? * Total lunar eclipse early Tuesday * 42 killed in Indian bombings * Chavez offers billions in Latin America * Greece declares emergency after fires kill 47 * Flood leaves more than 100,000 people homeless in DPRK Today's Top News ? * Two miners crawl out after being trapped 130 hours * Water polluters face stiff penalties * Greek fires kill 60 but spare Olympia * Bombings kill 42 in India * Greek fires threaten ancient Olympia Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours 20071125 http://www.hellomandarin.net 3 04:52 HARARE -- Zimbabwe's Ministry of Defense signed an agreement with Pakistan on Wednesday that will see the Asian country seconding its armed forces to Zimbabwe, local media reported. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the permanent secretary for Defense Trust Maphosa said the agreement reinforces relations that exist between the two countries in the field of defense particularly in the air force. "This agreement shall actively promote defense cooperation between the defense forces of our two countries, in accordance with international law and the respective national laws of our two countries," Maposa was quoted by New Ziana as saying. Pakistani Ambassador to Zimbabwe Riffat Iqbal said the agreement marked a milestone in cooperation between Zimbabwe and Pakistan. "This event marks our desire to continue the relationship we have with Zimbabwe. We are hoping that we shall also explore other areas of mutual benefit to both our countries," he said. Under the agreement, Pakistan's forces would offer training, guidance and defense advice to Zimbabwe's armed forces. The agreement is for two years but has provisions for extension. Top World News ? * Total lunar eclipse early Tuesday * 42 killed in Indian bombings * Chavez offers billions in Latin America * Greece declares emergency after fires kill 47 * Flood leaves more than 100,000 people homeless in DPRK Today's Top News ? * Two miners crawl out after being trapped 130 hours * Water polluters face stiff penalties * Greek fires kill 60 but spare Olympia * Bombings kill 42 in India * Greek fires threaten ancient Olympia Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours 20071125 http://www.hellomandarin.net