ISLAMABAD, July 12: Pakistan and China have begun a new era of friendship and cooperation in the naval field, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah said on Tuesday. A press release issued by the Naval Headquarters (NHQ) said the naval chief made the remark to the Chinese ambassador at Islamabad airport upon his return from a visit to China. The naval chief has described the visit as being “successful” and “of historic significance”.

Newly-appointed Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon, was also there to receive his chief.

During his visit the Pakistan Navy chief formally launched the $600 million project for construction of four F-22 P Frigates at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. The first frigate will be delivered to Pakistan in 2008 and the other three by 2013 along with transfer of technology.

Admiral Karimullah said Pakistan Navy had great expectations from China State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Shipbuilding Trading Company and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard for timely delivery of good quality F-22 P Frigates. He also offered to hold joint naval exercises with China’s Navy.

“Though Pakistan-China defence collaboration has been going on for long, collaboration in such a major project (F-22 P) has opened new avenues and is a milestone in defence cooperation,” he told Chinese ambassador Zhang Chunxian.

Admiral Karimullah said the phenomenal development of China in economic and technological fields has been a source of inspiration for Pakistan. The credit of China’s stunning progress in various fields goes to its leadership which provided the vision, policies and environment for all-round sustainable growth, he said.

Acknowledging the support of the political leadership of the two countries, Admiral Karimullah said Islamabad and Beijing had to continue working with the same zeal, zest and dedication to overcome the difficulties ahead.