Musharraf witnesses Pak-Saudi Arabian military drills

Islamabad, Dec 7 (UNI) President Parvez Musharraf today said intensive peace time training in realistic battlefield environment leads to better preparedness and improved battle worthiness of the troops.

Reacting to the ongoing joint military exercises between Pakistani and Saudi Arabian land forces, Gen Musharraf said, ''These exercises reflect a close cooperation between Pakistani and Saudi Arabian army.'' Code named AL-SAMSAAM-2 (Sharp Sword), the exercises, currently going on in Bhawalpur town are a sequel in the series of drills routinely carried out between the two armed forces.

Gen Musharraf also lauded the scope and conduct of the three-week-long exercise involving different operations by troops in the desert area.

A mechanised contingent of royal Saudi land forces and elements of Pakistani armour, infantry, artillery, air defence, aviation and air force are participating in the drills.

UNI XC AKJ HS1549