China all praise for Pakistan’s gains in terror fight

In meeting with Gen Qamar, Chinese leadership lauds Pakistan’s role in eliminating terror groups, including ETIM

ISLAMABAD: At a time when Pakistan’s eastern and western neighbours question its anti-terror credentials, China on Thursday heaped praise on Islamabad for its role in eliminating terrorist groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, al Qaeda and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

The acknowledgement of Pakistan’s gains against terrorism came from the Chinese leadership during army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s visit to Beijing.

Gen Qamar is currently on a three-day visit to China. On the first day, he held a series of meetings including with Zhang Gaoli, Executive Vice Premier, General Fan Changlong Vice Chairman Central Military Commission, General Fang Funghui, Chief of Joint Services Department, and General Li Zuocheng Commander People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

“Matters related to regional security, economy, defence cooperation and mutual interest were discussed,” said a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the ISPR.

The Chinese leadership expressed complete understanding of the geo-political and economic-cum-security environment of the region and its implications for both the countries.

They acknowledged the positive role being played by Pakistan towards peace and stability in the region with special mention of Pakistan's role in eliminating terrorist groups, including al Qaeda, TTP, and ETIM from Pakistan.

The Chinese leadership expressed their concern on the Afghan security situation and growing potential threat of ISIS/ETIM in Afghanistan. They expressed their confidence in the security arrangements for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and satisfaction on progress of the multibillion-dollar project.



Gen Qamar thanked the Chinese leadership for their defence support and cooperation which is a source of strength for unique all-weather friendship between the two countries and their peoples.

He reiterated that Pakistan Army would continue to positively contribute towards regional stability and security. He also thanked the Chinese leadership for sending a PLA contingent for participation in the Pakistan Day parade.

Both sides agreed to continue and further increase their military-to-military cooperation.

 

#COAS arrived in #China on 3 days official visit. Meets Chinese snr pol & mil ldrship.
Pak-China friendship is unique with no parallel. pic.twitter.com/JHgajTLgAc

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) March 16, 2017

 

COAS Visit to China.... pic.twitter.com/diFZYwh5Em

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) March 16, 2017

Pakistan and China have longstanding relationship but these time tested cooperation touched a new height in recent years following the ‘one belt, one road’ initiative.

In a further sign of ever-growing ties between the two countries, Chinese troops for the first time would take part in the Pakistan Day parade on March 23.

The development not only signals deepening defence cooperation but also aims at conveying a message to countries like India, which in recent months has been working desperately to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.