President Asif Ali Zardari has stepped up his diplomatic efforts of late - Reuters/File photo.

ISLAMABAD General Xu Qiliang, Commander China People`s Liberation Army (Air Force), called on President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday and discussed bilateral relations with him, APP reported.

During the meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari said the brotherly relations between the two countries date back three generations and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of this all-weather and time tested friendship.

He said, `It is not only the leadership of Pakistan but also the common citizen of Pakistan who has the same feelings and respect for China and the Chinese people.`

`The people of China and the people of Pakistan are the guarantees of our mutual friendship and brotherly relations` he added.

He reiterated Pakistan`s support to China in international arena and the challenges faced by China due to evolving global situation.

President Zardari emphasized that enhancing mutual cooperation would be beneficial for both the countries in all fields.

He said China is like a second home, and the people of Pakistan have great feelings of friendship towards China.

General Xu Qiliang conveyed to President Asif Ali Zardari regards from Hu Jintao, President of the People`s Republic of China.

He said the people of China and its leadership view Pak-China relations with pride.

`Pakistan and the people of Pakistan are a great nation with a rich culture,` he said.

Federal Minister for Defence Production Abdul Qayyum Jatoi, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Secretary General to the President Salman Faruqui, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamer Suleman, Chief of Air Staff and Farahanaz Ispahani, Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador of China were also present during the meeting.

General Xu Qiliang said that Pakistan has always been there to support China at critical times while referring to Pakistan`s support for China during the Taiwan dispute, the Tibetan issue and the recent global threat from extremism.

To use Air Force terminology, he said, Pakistan and China `always fly wing by wing` while referring to the mutual friendship and cooperation.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Xu Qiliang, commander China People`s liberation Army (Air Force) at a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan e Sadr.

The award has been conferred on General Xu Qiliang for his meritorious services and personal contributions towards strengthening the cooperation and goodwill between the two air forces.

The citation read out on the occasion said, `General Xu Qiliang, commander China People`s Liberation Army (Air Force) is reputed as an accomplished military Commander and a distinguished aviator. He has played a significant role in promoting and strengthening the bonds of goodwill and cooperation between the Air Forces of China and Pakistan.`

`Pakistan and china have been enjoying extremely friendly and cordial relations and cooperating with each other in many areas of common interest. The Air Forces of the two countries have also established close ties and currently share several programmes of mutual cooperation and interaction at the professional level. They also enjoy a substantial measure of similarity of weapon systems and equipment.

Besides acquiring Chinese aircraft in increasing numbers, PAF has been involved in joint ventures with the PLA (AF).

Indigenous designing and joint production of the new JF-17 fighter aircraft has added a new dimension and colour to the everlasting friendship between the two countries and their Air Forces`.

`While the two services have enjoyed friendly ties over the past years, the relationship has been reinvigorated and given a meaningful and purposeful orientation in the recent years. General Xu Qiliang has personally endeavoured to further consolidate the close interaction between the PLA (Air Force) and the Pakistan Air Force. As such, through his sincere endeavours and personal interest, a highly fruitful and mutually advantageous professional outlook has evolved. The foundation has been laid for mutual cooperation, with profound scope for future growth.`