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Close on the heels of the United States lifting sanctions on Pakistan, Australia has resumed defence links with Islamabad and lifted the restrictions imposed on the country following its 1998 nuclear tests.
"We are announcing the government's decision to lift the measures adopted against Pakistan following its nuclear tests in May 1998, which suspended defence relations between the two countries," Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Defence Minister Peter Reith said in a joint statement.
"Our decision to lift the measures is one way of demonstrating Australia's support for Pakistan's stand against terrorism at this critical time," the statement added.
"Last weeks terrible acts in New York and Washington demonstrated the need for the international community to make a strong and united effort to combat terrorism."
"The Government of Pakistan has taken a forthright, front-line stand in support of international anti-terrorist efforts. Australia warmly welcomes this," the statement said.
"The governments decision enables the defence establishments of the two countries to re-establish their links."
Pakistan has agreed to the return of an Australian defence attache to Islamabad.
PTI
The Attack on America: The Complete Coverage
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