ISLAMABAD, SEPT 21, SPA -- Pakistan and Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase and intensify defence cooperation between the two Muslim countries, said an official statement. Visiting Uzbek Defence Minister Ruslan Mirzaev and his Pakistani counterpart Rao Sikandar Iqbal signed the MoU. Mirzaev said Uzbekistan attached great importance to its ties with Pakistan and wanted to further broaden and expand cooperation in the areas of common interest particularly in the field of defence. Iqbal said that Pakistan and Uzbekistan shared common history, culture and religion and the relations between the two Muslim countries needed to be further strengthened and enhanced for the mutual benefits of the two sides. The statement said the MoU would pave the way for closer military cooperation between the two Muslim countries.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/484517