ISLAMABAD, March 24: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday that Pakistan and China would continue and expand cooperation in all fields including defence and production.

He was talking to a defence delegation led by China Defence Minister Gen Cao Gangchuan, which called on him at the Aiwan-i- Sadr. President Musharraf expressed satisfaction over the existing levels of cooperation between the two countries in all fields, including defence and defence production, and expressed the hope that current level of cooperation would also enhance, particularly with greater exchange of visits.

Welcoming the delegation he recalled his meeting with Gen Cao Gangchuan during his visit to China and reaffirmed the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.

The Chinese dignitary conveyed the good wishes of the Chinese leadership to President Musharraf. Defence Minister Rao Sikander Iqbal and senior government officials were also present.

The Chinese delegation also called on Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan at Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala. On arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, Gen Cao Gangchuan was received by senior staff officers of the Joint Headquarters.

During the meeting matters relating to professional interest were discussed. He also attended a briefing about the prevailing security environments in the region. Later, the Chinese delegation visited General Headquarters and called on Vice-Chief of Army Staff Gen Mohammad Yusaf Khan.

The delegation had also visited Naval Headquarters and Air Headquarters and called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karmiullah and Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadat. -APP