ISLAMABAD: Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan said on Thursday that China-Pakistan defence cooperation was a factor of peace and stability in the region.

He was speaking to his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif at the defence ministry.

A statement by the ministry quoted the visiting Chinese minister as saying that Sino-Pak “cooperation has an overarching strategic dimension”. He further said: “Our mutually supportive cooperation in the field of defence is a critical factor in maintenance of peace and stability in the region”.

The two sides discussed defence production, maritime cooperation, joint military exercises and defence and security cooperation.

The Chinese defence minister later visited the General Headquarters where he was received by Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif.

Following a one-to-one meeting between Mr Chang and Gen Sharif, delegation-level bilateral talks were held.

According to the ISPR, issues of mutual interest, regional security and measures to enhance bilateral defence collaboration were discussed during the meeting.

Earlier on arrival at GHQ, a smartly turned out contingent presented a guard of honour to the Chinese minister, who laid floral wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan Army for peace and stability in the region.