ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday visited the Kamra Aeronautical Complex to attend the induction ceremony of the 50th JF-17 Thunder fighter plane in Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fleet and said Pakistan’s friendship with China was on a strategic basis, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to the media representatives after the ceremony, in which Sharif was the chief guest, the premier declared Pakistan’s defence and needs of the military as a top priority.

The event was also attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, other high ranking officials of Pakistan’s military, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan and other officials belonging to Chinese aviation.

Sharif said Pakistan would export locally manufactured defence products including planes and that the country was ahead of many regional nations in the field of defence production.

Pakistan and China would also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the plan, to jointly manufacture and market 50 more JF-17 Thunder block II fighter jets, the export of which is expected to commence from next year onwards.

The block two of the project was launched by Prime Minister Sharif today.

The prime minister also said that he had a strong affiliation with Kamra and during his time in jail he often passed by it.

The premier was also shown the locally manufactured unmanned drone by the air force.

JF-17 Thunder fighter planes programme was inaugurated by Nawaz government in 1995.

Referring to the meeting between the Directors General Military Operations of India and Pakistan on Dec 24, the prime minister said Pakistan wished to maintain good neighbourly relations with India and Afghanistan