ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that defence and strategic ties between Pakistan and China are crucial for peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Commander of the Ground Forces of the People’s Liberation Army of China, General Li Qiaoming, who called on him in Islamabad.
PM Shehbaz said the deep-rooted ties between the two nations enjoy broad public, political, and institutional support in Pakistan, making them indispensable for the progress and development of both countries.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed General Li to Pakistan and underscored that Pakistan and China are All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners and trusted friends.
Expressing satisfaction over the deepening military-to-military exchanges between the two countries, PM Shehbaz said these relations form the foundation of their bilateral relationship.
Speaking on the occasion, China’s Commander General Li said, as an iron brother, strategic partner, and reliable friend, Beijing places the highest priority on its relationship with Pakistan.
Commander General Li expressed China’s desire to elevate their bilateral friendship to new levels of cooperation and collaboration. Recognizing the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability and combating terrorism, General Li reiterated the PLA’s commitment to further expanding its cooperation with Pakistan to enhance the capacity building of the two armed forces.
The two sides focused on various aspects of the Pakistan-China friendship, particularly the bilateral defence and strategic partnership.
Later, Commander General Li Qiaoming called on Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif. The Defence Minister on this occasion said decades-long Pak-China relations are focused on the welfare of the people of both countries.
The Defence Minister said that Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s diplomatic and material support in the fight against terrorism at regional and international fora. He reiterated that Pakistan is committed to stability and peace in the region.
Speaking on the occasion the Chinese general commended Pakistan’s efforts in fostering regional peace and stability, as well as Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in combating terrorism.
Both sides acknowledged the strong relationship between their Armed Forces and committed to further expanding defence collaboration.
