Zardari again urges US for early transfer of drone technology

Islamabad, June 29 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has once again urged the United States for early transfer of drone technology in order to help the country's security forces curb militancy effectively.

During a meeting with visiting US Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz at the President House here, Zardari said that the frequent interaction between Pakistani leaders and US has helped to reduce the trust deficit between the two nations.

According to a statement issued by the President House, Zardari thanked the US government for the delivery of F-16 aircraft, adding that the defence collaboration between the two countries must remain strong.

"This technology will not only eliminate PAF's existing limitations of precision night operations, but also enable the PAF to meet its mission objectives more effectively," The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

He also stressed on the early reimbursement of arrears owed to Pakistan by the US under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF).

US ambassador in Pakistan Anne Patterson, Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman and Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retired) Syed Athar Ali also attended the meeting. (ANI)