Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on Thursday assured Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani that Beijing would support closer military exchanges between both friendly countries.
“China will consistently support Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as back the country’s economic growth and improvement of its people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Wen expressed his belief that the government, armed forces and people of Pakistan will work together to overcome the challenges facing them and achieve more rapid development. In the face of complicated regional and global situations, cementing coordination between China and Pakistan and jointly meeting challenges meets the common interests of both nations, Wen added.
He said Pakistani armed forces had made important contributions toward maintaining bilateral relations and boosting the China-Pakistan strategic cooperative partnership.
He pledged to support stronger military exchanges and cooperation between both countries.
Kayani, who is currently on a six-day visit to China, expressed gratitude for China’s efforts to aid Pakistan’s economic growth and social stability, as well as China’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Kayani also met Defence Minister Liang Guanglie.
“China values its traditional friendship with Pakistan,” Liang said, adding that China hoped to develop pragmatic and effective cooperation with Pakistan in the national defence arena.