Defence boosts ties with Pakistan

Defence is seeking to further improve ties with the Pakistani military through joint training and exercises to counter insurgent roadside bombs.

Defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin has concluded a two-day visit to Pakistan, where he held talks with his counterpart, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee General Rashad Mahmood.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said Australia's relationship with Pakistan had grown in recent years and was now a valuable partnership.

In 2014, about 120 members of the Pakistan armed forces attended training courses in Australia.

"A similar number of Pakistani personnel will train at the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Australian Defence College, the Royal Military College Duntroon, and a range of other select training institutions this year," he said in a statement.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said they also discussed mutual interests and measures to boost co-operation.

"General Mahmood and I agreed to explore opportunities for practical co-operation on future counter IED (improvised explosive device) training, exercise and exchanges," he said.