23 March 2004	Tuesday	01 Safar 1425

ISLAMABAD, March 22: A high-level Chinese defence delegation, led by Defence Minister and Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission General Cao Gangchuan, arrived here on Monday to review the joint Pakistan-China defence ties, progress on ongoing defence production projects and explore avenues for further cooperation.

Sources said during meetings with respective service headquarters, the Chinese delegation would review the progress on defence projects related to Pakistan navy, army and air force, including special review of the JF-17 Thunder project.

Accompanied by a 17-member Chinese defence delegation, Gen Gangchuan is on a five-day visit to Pakistan during which he will also call on President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali.

Earlier on arrival at the Chaklala air base, Defence Minister Rao Sikander Iqbal received the Chinese delegation. In his welcoming remarks, the defence minister said it was a matter of great honour and privilege for the armed forces and people of Pakistan that a high-level delegation of the senior members of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Republic of China was visiting Pakistan.