China’s General Zhang Youxia conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz

• Visits Air, Naval Headquarters

ISLAMABAD: Acting President Sadiq Sanjrani on Friday conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission General Zhang Youxia in an investiture ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and senior officials.

After the ceremony, General Zhang Youxia also called on the acting president. Sadiq Sanjrani congratulated the visiting Chinese military official on the conferment of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) and said that Pakistan and China were close friends, neighbours and trusted partners because their relations were based on mutual respect and trust.

He emphasised that the Pak-China friendship was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and our defence relations were the guarantee of peace and stability in the region. He said that Pakistan deeply valued China’s support on the issues of national and regional security including the issue of Kashmir.

On this occasion, General Zhang Youxia thanked the acting president, the government and people of Pakistan and said that Pakistan and China enjoyed a time-tested friendship which would further grow in the coming generations.

VISITS AIR HEADQUARTERS: General Zhang Youxia visited the Air Headquarters of the Pakistan Air Force here. On his arrival, the distinguished guest was received by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan. A smartly turnout contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented guard of honour to worthy guest.

He was introduced to the principal staff officers of the Pakistan Air Force. The distinguished guest had a one-on-one meeting with the air chief. Later on, both the leaders led their delegation during a formal discussion on the matters of mutual interests. Both the leaders showed their satisfaction on the existing enviable cooperation between the two forces, and reiterated their resolve to take this cooperation to further heights.

VISITS NAVAL HEADQUARTERS: General Zhang Youxia also visited the Naval Headquarters and called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. Upon arrival, the Chinese delegation was received by Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented him the guard of honour.

General Zhang Youxia called on the naval chief in his office. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as vital part of the Belt Road Initiative were discussed. The naval chief also highlighted close bilateral ties between the armed forces of the two countries.

The visiting dignitary termed Pakistan as China’s all-weather strategic partner. Both the officials termed the success of CPEC and related projects as tantamount to prosperity and economic empowerment of the people of the region and beyond.

The call was followed by a brief given to the visiting dignitary on Pakistan Navy’s perspective on the security situation in the Indian Ocean region and PN contributions towards peace and stability in the region. In the second leg of his visit, the Chinese general is scheduled to visit the Pakistan Navy Field Commands at Karachi.

The visit is expected to greatly augment the bilateral cooperation between both the countries in general and defence forces in particular.