ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces General Li Qiaoming met the Minister for Defence & Defence Producton Khawaja Mohammad Asif in his Office Islamabad on Monday.
In the meeting, the visiting dignitary commended Pakistan’s efforts in fostering regional peace and stability, as well as Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in combating terrorism.
The defence minister welcomed the dignitary, and said that friendship with China is a corner-stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy based on convergence of views on regional and global issues.
The minister appreciated long history of Pak-China relations in all fields, adding that these relations are focused on welfare of people of both countries and are not against any other Country. He also said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with China.
The defence minister appreciated existing bilateral mechanisms like Strategic Dialogue, Consular Consultations and Counter Terrorism Consultations. He mentioned that the strategic relations between the two neighbouring nations are based on mutual trust.
Khawja Asif pointed out that Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s diplomatic and material support in its fight against terrorism at regional and international fora. He expressed that Pakistan-China Security Cooperation is pillar of regional stability.
The minister said that bilateral cooperation in security/intelligence sharing has increased amidst growing threats/advent of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The defence minister reiterated that Pakistan is committed to stability and peace in the region with particular focus on its relations with Afghanistan. He maintained that a peaceful Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and to the whole region.
Both sides acknowledged the strong relationship between their armed forces and committed to further expand defense collaboration.
