ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces Rear Admiral Shahin Mammadov called on the Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif here Tuesday.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and expressed satisfaction over the existing level of defence cooperation, said a press release.
Matters of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on naval collaboration and regional maritime security, were discussed.
The Defence Minister highlighted the importance of continued engagement between the armed forces of the two countries through professional exchanges, joint training, and dialogue to further strengthen interoperability and cooperation.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability and conveyed Azerbaijan’s desire to further enhance defence and naval cooperation with Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen bilateral defence relations in the spirit of mutual trust and longstanding friendship.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Mirza Sayasat Nurbek Tuesday visited the Secretariat of the OIC-COMSTECH to explore expanded cooperation in science, technology, and higher education among OIC member states and Pakistan.
He was accompanied by presidents and rectors of leading Kazakh universities.
The delegation was received by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, Secretary Science and Technology Mr Shahid Iqbal Baloch, Coordinator General OIC COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary and senior officials at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof Choudhary highlighted the growing importance of science diplomacy, saying partnerships and collaborative platforms were increasingly shaping the global scientific landscape.
He said Kazakhstan was playing a central role in the science and technology landscape of the OIC region and had contributed to key initiatives, including the STI Agenda 2026 and international scientific forums honouring Muslim scholars such as Abu Nasr Al-Farabi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Prof. Choudhary appreciated Kazakhstan for hosting the Islamic Organization for Food Security and noted that his engagement with the country spanned more than two decades.
Referring to future cooperation, he said COMSTECH had launched a number of joint initiatives through close coordination with Kazakhstan’s diplomatic mission, aimed at capacity-building, research linkages and academic networking.
Prof. Choudhary also outlined priority areas of mutual interest, including biotechnology, digitisation and artificial intelligence, environment, agriculture, and innovation-driven research.
He noted Kazakhstan’s increasing investment in science and technology, expansion of international partnerships, progress in higher education, and development of indigenous scientific capabilities such as vaccine research and digital infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, Khalid Magsi described Kazakhstan as an active and valued partner of COMSTECH and recalled that cooperation dated back to 1996 with the establishment of the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Revolving Fund. Under the programme, more than 100 Kazakh scholars completed PhDs at Pakistani universities and participated in joint research.
The federal minister said Kazakhstan had consistently participated in COMSTECH-led initiatives, including scientific forums, university networking, and collaborative research in food security, biotechnology, agricultural sustainability, health sciences and digital innovation.
He also referred to joint efforts on biosafety and biosecurity, including an international seminar co-organised in Islamabad based on a Kazakh initiative presented at the United Nations.
Highlighting the importance of science for development, the Khalid Magsi said countries such as Pakistan and Kazakhstan must allocate greater resources to research and innovation, adding that Pakistan remained committed to using science and technology for economic progress and poverty alleviation.
Kazakhstan Minister, Sayasat Nurbek appreciated the leadership of Prof Choudhary in promoting scientific cooperation through COMSTECH and acknowledged the organisation’s role in strengthening research capacity and academic linkages across the Muslim world.
He expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to further expand cooperation with COMSTECH in higher education, research partnerships, innovation, and academic xchange.
He thanked the Government of Pakistan and COMSTECH for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance institutional linkages, capacity-building programmes, and joint research initiatives to address shared challenges in science, technology, and higher education.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf here on Tuesday at Naval Headquarters.
Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, said a press release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).
During meeting both the leaders deliberated on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional maritime security landscape, and ways to further bolster cooperation in defence and training.
Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar commended Pakistan Navy as a pivotal force for regional peace and maritime security. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to further diversify and strengthen the scope of existing bilateral defence relationship.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan Lieutenant General Dauren Kosanov called on Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif here Tuesday.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of defence cooperation, said a press release.
The Defence Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence and security collaboration with Kazakhstan through dialogue, training, and institutional linkages.
The two dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhancing cooperation in defence and military-to-military engagements.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability and expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further deepen bilateral defence relations in the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, and President of the Senate of Cambodia, Samdech Hun Sen, held a high-level bilateral meeting.
The chairman led a high-level parliamentary delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia, marking an important step in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and bilateral relations between the two countries, said a news release received here on Tuesday.
During the meeting, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest, with a focus on enhancing parliamentary cooperation and further strengthening bilateral ties.
They also discussed ways to expand political, economic, and people-to-people contacts.
The two leaders exchanged views on exploring new opportunities in trade, investment, institutional cooperation, and parliamentary exchanges.
They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening relations for mutual benefit and agreed to continue close dialogue and cooperation.
In honour of the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, the Cambodian side hosted an official dinner, reflecting the warm and friendly relations between the two countries.
Gilani’s visit highlights Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing friendly relations with Cambodia, promoting parliamentary diplomacy, and exploring new areas of bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, the Chairman Senate arrived in Phnom Penh with a high-level delegation and received a warm welcome at Techo International Airport.
He was received by Second Vice President of the Cambodian Senate Dr Thun Vathana; Chairman of the First Committee of the Senate and Head of the Cambodia–Pakistan Senate Friendship Group Angi Chanfal; Chairman of the Fifth Committee Dr Chiv Yi Seang; Director General of Protocol and International Relations Nguon Sok Veng; and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Cambodia Zahiruddin Babar Thethem.
As part of his official engagements, Gilani visited the Independence Monument, where he laid a floral wreath to pay tribute to Cambodia’s national heroes and praised the country’s struggle for independence.
He also laid a wreath at the Royal Memorial Statue of the late King Father Preah Borom Ratanak Kaoudh, expressing Pakistan’s respect for Cambodia’s history and national heritage.
Later, Gilani arrived at the Solidarity Palace of the Cambodian Senate, where an official reception ceremony was held in his honour at Polyarthipadi Hall.
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen personally welcomed him. Both leaders reviewed the Guard of Honour, introduced members of their delegations, and exchanged greetings.
The visit is being seen as an important step toward strengthening parliamentary, political, and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and Cambodia, and opening new avenues for long-term bilateral cooperation.