Islamabad: Defence officials from Pakistan and the US on July 24 discussed resumption of military co-operation between the two countries, including procurement of equipment and training, after a suspension of four years following Islamabad's nuclear tests.

In the concluding session of the two-day Pre-Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting being held in Rawalpindi, Air Force Colonel Jeffery Paulk-led US delegation and Pakistani officials, headed by Defence Secretary Lt Gen Hamid Nawaz Khan, exchanged views on resuming the military ties, an official release said.

Khan hoped that US authorities would consider issues relating to release of withheld defence items.

"The re-establishment of DCG is an appropriate mechanism not only to revitalise the bilateral ties but also to institutionalise the process with a view to evolving deep- rooted and sustained ties with US," Khan said.

He said such a platform is essential to ensure long-term defence co-operation through meaningful DCG process and facilitate the US to understand and provide assistance to meet the defence needs of Pakistan as well as for peace and prosperity of the region as a whole.

Paulk appreciated the revival of DCG and termed it as a step in the right direction. He hoped that it would help both countries in moving forward on bilateral relations.

Both sides also briefed each other on issues of common interest. The meeting also finalised the agenda for the DCG meeting to be held towards the end of the year.

The DCG had not met since 1997. The US suspended economic and defence ties, including military sales and training, after Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in May 1998.

PTI