October 13, 2003	Monday	Sha'aban 16, 1424

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BEIJING, Oct 12: Pakistan-China joint naval exercise will begin from October 21 to further develop bilateral cooperation in the defence sector.

It will be China’s first-ever naval exercise with any foreign country, defence sources told APP here.

The exercise, to take place near the Shanghai coast, will involve frontline warships, maritime aircraft and helicopters from both sides, the sources added.

Two Pakistani warships carrying about 700 soldiers and crew members will arrive in Shanghai on October 18.

According to the sources, the maritime exercise will help the two sides further strengthen the capability of defending the sea frontiers and safeguarding the maritime interests.

It would also provide an opportunity to share experience and expertise in the maritime field consolidating their defence capability.

The forces of the two countries enjoy decades’ long strategic partnership in the defence sector, based on mutual trust and confidence, the sources said, adding: “The joint maritime exercise reflects importance of the relations between the two navies.”—APP