29 May 2004	Saturday	09 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

BEIJING, May 28: Pakistan and China would continue to hold naval exercises, particularly in non-traditional security fields, to strengthen their defence capabilities and enhance professional skills.

The leadership of the two navies at their meetings held this week in Beijing agreed to expand their cooperation, sharing their experience and expertise in the defence sector.

Defence sources told the APP here on Friday that it was decided to have a long-term cooperation through bilateral military exercises, exchange of visits and training.

While giving a briefing on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah's visit to China concluded on Wednesday, the sources said the visit was highly productive and result-oriented. They hoped it would go a long way in bringing the two navies closer to each other.

The Pakistani side invited China to have another military exercise between the two navies. The first naval exercise held in October last year at the Shanghai coast has proved very successful. It was for the first time that China had engaged itself in naval operation with another country. -APP