Pakistan, China agree to further strengthen defence cooperation
Local Sunday, September 28th, 2008Pakistan and China will further strengthen defence cooperation as both the countries are enjoying time-tested and all weather friendship.
There was complete unanimity of views between China and Pakistan on matters of strategic and professional interest during the five-day official visit of the Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kaynai to China.
During his stay, General Kayani called on top military and political leadership of China.The COAS held official and bilateral talks with Gen Guo Boxing, Vice Chairman Central Military Commission (CMC) and Gen. Zhefengi, Deputy Chief of General Staff( DCGS), PLA.
This was General Kayani’s first official visit abroad and signifies the strong, time-tested and all weather relationship between China and Pakistan.
In his meeting with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Guo, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, appreciated the fruitful cooperation between both sides over the years.
Noting the two countries as good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Guo said both sides had carried out remarkable cooperation in politics, economics, military, culture and technology, and made positive contribution to regional and world peace, stability and development.
China highly values its all-round strategic cooperative partnership with Pakistan, Guo said, vowing to join hands with the country to boost bilateral ties to a new level.
In response, Kayani said his country treasures its traditional friendship with China and is ready to further boost cooperation with its close neighbour.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani also met Dai Bingguo, State Counselor. The dignitaries exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and expressed their full satisfaction at the unique strategic relationship between Pakistan and China.
The COAS expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Government and people for the exemplary support extended to Pakistan at all times. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintain and reinforce this relationship for peace and security in the region.
General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani also visited the Ministry of National Defence, where he was briefed about Exercise “Warrior 2008.” Gen.Kayani was also given detailed briefing on the organization / role of People’s Liberation Army and the defensive policy of China.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also witnessed Exercise “Warrior 2008” at Zhurihe..
The COAS during his meeting Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie said that Pakistan is ready to work with China to enhance bilateral strategic cooperation under the new circumstances.
On arrival, The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was presented Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out contingent of PLA. Later an official banquet was also hosted in honour of the COAS.
An earlier report said; Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Friday that Pakistan is ready to work with China to enhance bilateral strategic cooperation under the new circumstances.
General Kayani made the remarks in a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie.
Speaking highly of the good relationship between the two armed forces, General Kayani said Pakistan would continue to push forward bilateral ties and relationship between the two armed forces.
Liang, also a state councilor, said China and Pakistan, as good neighbors, enjoyed an all-weather friendship.
“China attaches great importance to its friendship with Pakistan and will further strengthen Sino-Pakistani ties and relations between the two armed forces,” said Liang.
He said China would promote friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields so as to raise the bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation to a new level.
Short URL: http://www.daily.pk/?p=6510
on Sep 28 2008. Filed under