German Defence Minister Dr Franz-Josef Jung on Thursday said German troops would continue to help and assist Pakistan in relief and rehabilitation work in the quake hit areas even after the departure of Nato forces.
Talking to newsmen here at Chaklala Air Base after handing over additional medical aid and equipment to Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, the German defence minister said Germany was happy to provide humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in this hour of need.
Replying to a question, the minister who visited Afghanistan on Thursday, said two German helicopters would continue the operation in the affected areas till February and the situation would be reviewed for further continuation. He however assured that German government would provide necessary help to Pakistan in its relief and rehabilitation work in the devastated areas.
Answering another question, the German minister said Pakistan and Germany have cordial relations including defence sector. He said Germany has also been providing assistance to Pakistan in training in defence field and added that more co-operation in this regard would be discussed during his visit and meetings with the defence minister and officials.
Dr Franz-Josef Jung handed over additional medical aid and equipment worth 290,000 dollars to Health Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Masood Khalid. Secretary Health AJK General Abdul Malik and German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Gunter Mulack were also present on the occasion.
The aid package includes field X-ray equipment, ultra sound diagnosis equipment, audiometers, electrocardiograph, and other surgical instruments.
Jung while addressing the German helicopter contingent at Chaklala air base appreciated their dedication and devotion to help Pakistan in the relief and rehabilitation work in the quake hit areas.
The German defence minister was given detailed briefing about the work being done by German troops in the devastated areas as part of Nato forces.
Germany has so far contributed a sum of 101.6 million dollars for relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake victims.
The German Defence Minister Jung also visited Kabul on Thursday to review the working of the German ISAF contingent deployed there.