ISLAMABAD, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Sudan on Tuesday agreed to increase cooperation in divergent fields, particularly in the area of defense, official Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

    At a meeting held here between Federal Minister for Defense Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar and the visiting Chief of Naval Staff of Sudan Vice Admiral Al Zain Hamad Ballah Hussain, the two sides discussed matters of bilateral importance and underlined the need for robust defense cooperation.

    Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar said Pakistan and Sudan enjoyed cordial and close relations in various fields which needed to be further reinvigorated for the mutual benefits of the two sides.

    Al Zain Hamad Ballah Hussain said his country was very keen to expand ties with Pakistan in all fields as the two countries had common perceptions on regional and international issues.

    Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of training and exchange of delegations at political and military levels. The meeting also emphasized the need for promoting military to military cooperation between the two sides.