ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that defence cooperation between Pakistan and China would grow further.

Mr Sharif was talking to Chinese Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan who called on him at the Prime Minister House.

“Pakistan-China cooperation, including in the field of defence, will continue to grow to the benefit of both the countries,” the prime minister was quoted by his office as having said during the meeting.

Gen Wanquan has separately met Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mehmood and Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif.

China is Pakistan’s major defence hardware supplier and the two have maintained strong defence ties. The cooperation for counter-terrorism is the newest aspect of the two countries’ long-time security ties.

During defence talks the two sides discussed intensification of defence production collaboration, maritime cooperation, joint military exercises, training and other aspects of defence and security cooperation.

China has been invited for this year’s edition of the premier defence exhibition, IDEAS-2014.

Mr Sharif, during the meeting, noted that “China and Pakistan enjoy a unique relationship”. “Solid foundation for our time-tested and all-weather friendship is provided by strong mutual trust, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues,” he added.