- BEIJING - China and Pakistan
on Tuesday renewed their commitment to continue cooperation in the defence
sector. Top-ranking military officials of the two countries at their formal
talks held here discussed ways and means to further strengthen their
cooperation.
-
- Pakistan's side was led by General Muhammad Aziz,
Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), while General Fu Quanyou, Chief
of General Staff, represented the Chinese side. Defence sources told APP
that the talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and both
the sides resolved to continue the existing bilateral cooperation in the
defence field.
-
- General Aziz briefed the Chinese military commander about
the latest developments in the region and the steps being taken by
President
Pervez Musharraf in defusing the tension between India and Pakistan, and
bringing lasting peace to South Asia.
-
- Gen Fu lauded Pakistan's firm position taken against
terrorism and the efforts being made for bringing peace and stability to
the region. In this connection, he particularly mentioned the measures
announced by General Pervez Musharraf in his address to the nation.
President
Musharraf's address, he said, reflects Pakistan's strong commitment to
eradicate terrorism and to resolve its disputes with India through dialogue
and peaceful means. Pakistan, he said, has been effectively handling the
situation, erupted after Sept 11 incident.
-
- Gen Fu remarked, "China attaches great importance
to its cooperation with Pakistan. China considers it a time-tested and
all-weather friend." He noted this friendship is growing with the
passage of time. He said Pak-China cooperation in the defence sector
contributes
a lot to ensuring peace and stability.
-
- The Chairman CJCSC appreciated Chinese assistance in
the defence sector and said his country cherishes this cooperation for
their mutual benefit. He thanked the Chinese military leadership for
extending
warm reception to him and the members of his delegation. During the talks,
General Aziz was assisted by the members of his delegation, Riaz H Khokhar,
Pakistan ambassador to China and the Beijing-based Pakistan attaches of
the three Services. Gen Fu was assisted by the senior officers of the
People's
Liberation Army (PLA).
-
- Earlier, on his arrival at the PLA Headquarters, General
Aziz was presented a formal welcome, including guard of honour by a
contingent
of the Chinese armed forces. Later, General Aziz also had a meeting with
Zhan Wannian, Vice Chairman, Chinese Central Military Commission and
discussed
with him various aspects of the ongoing Pakistan-China defence
cooperation.
-
- Wannian also appreciated the measures announced by
President
Pervez Musharraf for de-escalation of tension in the region and rooting
out extremism. He hoped these measures would further strengthen Pakistan's
position in the region and to resolve its differences with India. He
assured
China would continue to extend its support to Pakistan in the defence
field.
General Aziz is likely to meet Chinese President Jiang Zemin during his
stay in Beijing, besides meeting other top-level civil and military
leaders.
-
- The News International, Pakistan
|