Pakistan, China agree to boost military ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Monday signed an agreement for military co-operation with a view to taking their bilateral military ties to new heights.

The accord was signed in Beijing by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Tariq Majid and Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde at the conclusion of the sixth round of the Pakistan-China defence and security talks. The two sides also exchanged views on the international security situation and issues concerning bilateral and military relations.

While reviewing the growth of China-Pakistan relations over the past 57 years, the two leaders expressed satisfaction that the friendship between the two countries had withstood the test of time and matured into a comprehensive partnership. They also resolved to co-operate with each other to fight terrorism. Majid said Pakistan cherished the traditional friendship and co-operation with China and was ready to make concerted efforts with the PLA to strengthen military ties. Chen said China attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan and would work with it to further develop bilateral military relations.

He spoke highly of China-Pakistan military relations and said the two sides had witnessed close long-term military co-operation in accordance with the strong bilateral relationship. The first China-Pakistan defence and security talks were held in March 2002.