Friday, April 15 2005 08:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: The US has assured Pakistan of meeting its "legitimate" Defence needs, weeks after announcing its decision to supply F-16 fighter planes to Islamabad.

The assurance was given by visiting US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld during his meeting with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad on Wednesday night (Apr 13, 2005).

"Secretary Rumsfeld reaffirmed the US decision to enhance military assistance to Pakistan and strengthen Defence cooperation with Pakistan," an official communique issued after the meeting said.

"Washington would be stepping up support to meet Pakistan's legitimate Defence needs," it said.

Pakistan expects an early delivery of the promised F-16s and hopes for a much larger Defence aide, the communique said.

Last year, the US provided $ 1.2 billion of military assistance, which included six Orion naval surveillance aircraft and a host of Defence equipment. This was part of a $ 3 billion package assured by US President George W Bush as a reward for Pakistan joining the war against terror, half of which was committed for social, economic and educational development programmes.

During their meeting, Musharraf and Rumsfeld discussed bilateral relations, Defence cooperation and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

The President said the US' decision to supply F-16s would be an important factor in preserving regional peace and security.

Rumsfeld appreciated Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace and stability and its cooperation in the global war on terrorism and the stabilisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan, the communique said.