- First visit from a Chinese Central Military Commission Vice Chairman after 11 years
- China’s decision to give Pakistan weapons isn’t threat to ‘another regional country’
- Military help to Pakistan is only for fight against terrorism
- CPEC will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will also be useful for other countries of the region
China’s Central Military Commission Vice Chairman General Fan Changlong has reiterated his country’s support to Pakistan to counter terrorism.
This was stated by the Chief of Foreign Affairs Office, Chinese Ministry of National Defence, Rear Admiral, Guan Youfei while briefing the newsmen about General Fan’s meetings with the Pakistani leadership on Thursday.
China has provided a supply of submarines, frigates and tanks to Pakistan under Sino-Pak military equipment cooperation, and was not against any regional country, he said. He added that China would continue its military support to help Pakistan in its efforts to counter terrorism to maintain enduring peace in the region, and no regional country should be worried about this cooperation.
He said the two countries, under long term cooperation, were jointly manufacturing the JF-17 thunder aircraft, frigates for navy and tanks for the army which helped Pakistan’s defence capability.
About the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that several regional countries had welcomed this initiatives as it was part of China’s one belt one road initiative which was beneficial of the whole region.
“The CPEC will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will also be useful for other countries of the region,” he added.
The Chinese side highly appreciated Pakistan Army in safeguarding CPEC and was looking forward to close cooperation with Pakistani side to ensure proper management and security of CPEC.
He said China particularly valued Pakistan Army’s efforts in fighting East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
PM HAPPY WITH VISIT:
Welcoming General Fan to Pakistan, the prime minister said that friendship with China is the corner stone of his country’s foreign policy as both countries enjoy unparalleled relations in the contemporary world. The prime minister emphasised that the time-tested friendship between the two countries is based on strong mutual trust, cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues.
The prime minister said that the ongoing strategic dialogue, consular consultations and counter terrorism consultations between Pakistan and China have provided a good opportunity to further improve the strategic partnership between the countries.
Fan appreciated Pakistan’s role in its fight against terrorism and added that both countries share common views on combating the evil of terrorism and extremism. The mutually supportive cooperation in the field of defence is a critical factor in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
It was his great pleasure that he along with his colleagues were paying an official visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistan armed forces. He wished to express his highest respect for the heroic people of Pakistan. China and Pakistan, being close and friendly neighbours always trust each other, understand each other and support each other, and have made fruitful cooperation in various fields, he added.
He said he was looking forward to exchanging in-depth views with leaders of Pakistan and Pakistani armed forces on the relations between the two countries and two armed forces and other issues of common interest. He said he was sure that with the thoughtful arrangement of their host, their visit will achieve complete success.
MEETING WITH GENERAL RAHEEL:
General Fan also called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
They discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, steps for regional stability and enhanced bilateral defence collaboration.
Gen Raheel Sharif said that Pak–China relations are all weather and based on mutual trust and cooperation. He said this relationship has survived the test of times and is only bound to grow.
Gen Fan said China and Pakistan are the best iron brothers, good friends and strategic partners. We share the tradition of mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual support. China deeply appreciates the determination of Pakistan Army in counter terrorism and the successful operation in various fields. He said China values the efforts of Pakistan Army in fighting terrorism.
He said CPEC is equally beneficial to both China and Pakistan. He lauded the efforts made by Pakistan Army for safeguarding the CPEC. We look forward to close cooperation with Pakistan side to ensure proper management and security of CPEC.
Earlier on arrival, the Chinese General laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and paid rich tribute to Shuhada of Pakistan.
This is the first visit of Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission of China after a lapse of 11 years.