PNS, BEIJING, China: Oct 23 (PNS) – Pakistan and China have agreed to beef up cooperation to meet the professional requirements of their armed forces.
There was a complete unanimity of views on strengthening military-to-military relations during the meeting held in Beijing between Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat and the Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.
Saadat who is currently on a week-long visit to China also had separate meetings with Liang Guanglie, Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Gen. Qiao Qingchen, Commander of PLA Air force.
Defence sources told APP that the two sides during the meetings reiterated their commitment to strengthen their bilateral ties at all levels, with greater strength and vigour.
They noted that the development of fighter jet, JF17 a joint venture of the two countries was a indication of their growing cooperation. They agreed to continue undertaking such joint projects in the aviation industry.
Cao Gangchuan, also vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a State councilor, said the relations between China and Pakistan had developed smoothly ever since the two countries forged their diplomatic ties 52 years ago.
The Sino-Pakistan friendship is not only in high-level exchanges but also strikes deep roots in the people of both countries, said Cao, adding that China attaches great importance to the traditional Sino-Pakistan friendly cooperation and will make joint efforts with Pakistan to continue the friendship.
Saadat congratulated China on its recent successful launch of the manned spacecraft and Pakistan is pleased with the increasingly great role China had played in international and regionalaffairs.
He expressed his conviction that the bilateral friendly cooperation would continue to be strengthened and developed.
Liang Guanglie, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said during the meeting that the Chinese people and their armed forces had always regarded Pakistan as their sincere, reliable and trustworthy friend and brother, and that the Chinese side was willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to go on advancing the army-to-army friendly and cooperative relations.
According to the sources, the visit is a part of regular contacts at the highest level between the Pakistan Air Force and the People
