ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday felicitated China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on its 90th founding day and expressed the hope that professional collaboration between the PLA and Pakistan Army would continue to expand to bring peace to the region in general and China and Pakistan in particular.

Speaking at a Chinese reception held to mark the day, the COAS said it was a matter of great honour and pleasure for him to be part of this anniversary.

“On this historic occasion, I convey deepest compliments from all ranks of Pakistan Army to all ranks of People’s Liberation Army,” he said.

He conveyed his special felicitations to China’s President Xi Jinping, Gen Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman Central Military Commission and Gen Fang Fenghui, Chief of Joint Staff.

“This day symbolizes the power of people’s unity, unflinching resolve and sacrifices, owing to which PLA, today, is one of the finest military outfits in the world.

“The professional standards of PLA, its training and technological outreach, and its enviable operational record, stand second to none,” he added.

The Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan, he said, took great pride in their deep-rooted brotherly relationship with People’s Republic of China.

“This enviable relationship finds no parallel in the world,” he said.

The COAS said that both China and Pakistan were faced with similar challenges and opportunities. “Both countries have assumed shared responsibility towards stability in the region and prosperity of our people. This unity of purpose has led to the consolidation and has strengthened our resolve as determined nations, to brave all challenges and storms together,” he added.

Gen Bajwa said that as important strategic players in the region the rela-tions between Pakistan and China had jointly benefitted both the countries.

He said the close collaboration between the two counties spanned over a wider canvas than ever before and ranged across strategic initiatives like China Pakistan Economic Corridor, defence collaboration in several joint projects and united diplomatic front, internationally.

“Pakistan is indebted to China for its unflinching support to our perspective at all international forums — may it be expansion of Nuclear Suppliers Group, Kashmir issue or Pakistan’s full membership of Shang­hai Cooperation Organisa­tion,” Gen Bajwa said.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2017