Pakistan to acquire four frigates from Greece : PM
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ATHENS (Greece): Greece will provide four frigates for the Pakistan Navy, two of which will be delivered this year, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Monday.

The two countries are looking forward to stronger ties in defence and security related matters and have agreed on the deal, Prime Minister Aziz told the media team accompanying him on his four-nation visit.

Without giving details of the deal, he said Pakistan was acquiring used frigates.

He said two frigates would be delivered this year and the other two in 2007.The Hellenic Navy uses Elli class frigates and the same would be provided to Pakistan.

Pakistan has been acquiring defence equipment from various countries to meet its defence needs.

PM's Arrival in Greece

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz arrived here on a three-day visit to the Helenic Republic, the first by a Pakistani head of government, with a view to giving a direction to the ties between the two countries particularly in area of trade and tourism.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was received at the Athens International by Theodoros Kassimis, Deputy Foreign Minister. A Contingent of the armed forces presented him salute as he alighted from his special aircraft.

A red carpet was rolled out for the Prime Minister and members of his entourage.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet President Karolos Papoulias, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, and address the Greek think tank. A number of Pakistani businessmen who are accompanying Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will meet prominent Greek businessmen and investors.

The Prime Minister would interact with the print and electronic media of Greece to apprise them of Pakistan's point of view on important international issues.

An agreement on Tourism Cooperation between the two countries will also be signed during the visit. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will also address a large number of Pakistani community living in Greece and highlight their role in Creating the vital linkage between the two countries.●