Chinese Defence Minister calls on Defence minister Khawaja Asif

Rawalpindi, February 27, 2014 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif received his Chinese counterpart Mr. Chang Wanguan, here at the Ministry of Defence today. The honourable guest was awarded a warm welcome by the Tri-Services Band present at the occasion. The guest was introduced to the Acting Secretary Ministry of Defence Maj General (Retd) Raja Mohammad Arif Nazir, Senior Generals from JSHQ, MoDP and MoD.

Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif then held a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister, Mr. Chang Wanguan, in his office. He said that Pakistan and China enjoy deep-rooted, brotherly relations. “Our friendship with china is a corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. We have unique ties with China which are unparalleled in contemporary era and interstate relations”.

He further added that Sino-Pak relations stand on solid footings, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on global and regional issues. Such visits are testimony of our desire to further strengthen our relations.

Sino-Pakistan have different forums of interactions and bilateral mechanisms like strategic dialogue, consular consultations and counter terrorism consultations to further the strategic partnership. The Chinese side expands the hope to enhance cooperation in all areas of importance to both countries.

Minister for Defence added that “Pakistan supports one China Policy on issues of Taiwan, Tibet, Xingiang and Human Rights”. Both sides also greatly focused on promoting economic integration, development and trade. On this issue minister highlighted the importance of China-Pakistan corridor which would transform the regional, economy and dovetail perfectly with the strategy of developing and connecting the South and Central Asian regions of the world.

Chinese Defence Minister added that our mutually supportive cooperation in the field of defence is a critical factor in maintenance of peace and stability in the region. “Our cooperation has an over-arching strategic dimension”.

Pakistan and Chinese defence delegations also held a session of talks where matters of defence production and Chinese help in achieving self-reliance in defence production were broadly discussed. Matters of Maritime Cooperation, Joint-Exercises, Defence and Security Talks were broadly discussed.

Minister thanked his Chinese counterpart for continued support and understanding and expressed hope that China will once again feature in Pakistan’s main defence exhibition IDEAS-2014 scheduled to be held this year.

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