RAWALPINDI: Vice Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commis­sion (CMC) Gen Zhang Youxia called on Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday.

The meeting was followed by delegation-level talks. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral defence cooperation came under discussion.

Gen Bajwa said that relations with China were based on mutual trust and confidence.

Highlighting the Pak-China defence and security cooperation, General Zhang said: “China and Pakistan are iron brothers, all-weather friends and strategic partners. We share the tradition of mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual support.

“China deeply appreciates the achievements of Pakis­tan Army in counterterrorism and the successful operation in various fields. China values the efforts of the Pakistan Army in fighting against all terrorists groups including East Tur­kistan Islamic Movement. The China-Pakistan Econo­mic Corridor (CPEC) is equally beneficial to both China and Pakistan.”

Both sides also signed different memorandums of understanding for bilateral defence cooperation.

To pay homage to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army, the visiting dignitary laid a wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour to the vice chairman of the Chinese CMC.

PM Abbasi: During his meeting with the Chinese delegation, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed satisfaction over thriving Pak-China relations in all fields and hoped that multifaceted strategic cooperation, including the security and defence ties of the time-tested friends, would further strengthen the shared objective of peace and development in the region.

Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs Khurrum Dastgir and senior officers were present during the meeting.

The prime minister expr­essed the hope that Gen Zhang’s visit would further strengthen the existing strategic relations and multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and China.

He also conveyed his gree­tings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and extended invitation to the Chinese leadership to visit Pakistan.

Gen Zhang Youxia appreciated the huge sacrifices that Pakistan had made in the war against terrorism and for the peace in the region.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2018