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FS Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani & Minister of Defence Stephen Smith

A brief Report about the official Visit of Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan's Federal Secretary,Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Australia from 13-16 June 2012 to participate in the 2nd Session of Pakistan-Australia Bilateral Consultations and to meet a number of Australian dignitaries and officials to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest.

He called on Hon. Stephen Smith, Minister of Defence, to review the bilateral defence cooperation between the two courtiers. The defence cooperation between the two countries has grown significantly in the past five years. Australia has become the 2nd largest training provider for Pakistan Armed Forces.

During his meeting with Mr. Peter Baxter, Director General, AusAID, he appreciated the useful contribution Australian Development Assistance programme was making towards socio-economic development in Pakistan. The direction and scope of Australia’s Development Assistance programme for Pakistan, within the framework of Pak-Australia Development Partnership agreement was also reviewed. The Foreign Secretary underlined the need for allocating more resources for agriculture, rural development and for increasing numbers of Australian scholarships, particularly in the agricultural field. Both sides also agreed to enhance AusAID assistance in the field of primary education. It was also agreed that AusAID would consider the training of trainers and teachers from Pakistan.

The Foreign Secretary also met with Dr. Margot McCarthy, National Security Adviser and briefed her on Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to support the peace and reconciliation efforts of Afghan Government, Pak-US relations, regional security situation in South Asia and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue its fight against extremism and terrorism.

The bilateral consultations between the two countries were held on 14 June 2012. The Australian side was led by Mr. Dennis Richardson, Secretary DFAT. The whole gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed in detail. The Secretary DFAT hosted a whole of government luncheon in the honour of Foreign Secretary, which was attended by important and relevant Heads of Australian Government Departments.

The Foreign Secretary was also invited by the Prime Minister of Australia Hon. Julia Gillard for a dinner, which she hosted in the honour of Secretary General (NATO).

His meeting with Chief of Defence Force Gen David Hurley and Secretary Department of Defence Mr. Duncan Lewis focused on the post 2014 situation in Afghanistan.

In his meeting with Prime Minister’s Senior Advisor (International) Mr. Richard Maude, the Foreign Secretary discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Professor Christopher Snedden met the High Commissioner and presented him his new book “The untold story of People of Azad Kashmir “. Professor Snedden is a politico-strategic analyst, author and academic specializing in South Asia. He has visited J&K frequently to undertake research.

The Foreign Secretary also visited the High Commission. He also met with the members of the Pakistani community in Canberra.

Mr.Dennis Richardson Secretary DFAT

Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan's Federal Secretary,Ministry of foreign Affairs

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The Foreign Secretary Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani also visited the Pakistan High Commission Canberra and met with the members of the Pakistani community in Canberra.

Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani,Pakistan's Federal Secretary,Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Hon.Stephen Smith,Minister of Defence

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