PLA chief vows to deepen ties

A top Chinese military leader vowed on Monday to deepen defence and military-to-military ties with Pakistan, saying that Beijing was keen to elevate the current relationship to the new heights.

General Li Qiaoming, Commander of the Ground Forces of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, who is on an official visit to Pakistan met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and held formal talks with Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir in Rawalpindi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed General Li and underscored that Pakistan and China were "all-weather strategic cooperative partners and trusted friends", according to an handout issued after the meeting.

The handout stated that the prime minister highlighted that the deep-rooted ties between the two nations enjoyed broad public, political, and institutional support in Pakistan, making them indispensable for the progress and development of both countries.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction at increasing military-to-military exchanges, noting that the defence and strategic ties between Pakistan and China were vital for peace and stability in the region. These relations, he said, formed the foundation of the bilateral relationship.

General Li, in his remarks, affirmed that China, as an iron brother, strategic partner, and reliable friend, placed the highest priority on its relationship with Pakistan. He expressed China's desire to elevate their friendship to the new levels of cooperation and collaboration.

Recognising the role of the Pakistan's armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability and combating terrorism, General Li reiterated the PLA's commitment to further expanding its cooperation with Pakistan to enhance the capacity-building of the two armed forces.

The two sides focused on various aspects of the Pakistan-China friendship, particularly the bilateral defence and strategic partnership.

Meanwhile, General Li called on Army Chief General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters and held in-depth discussions on matters of mutual interest, regional security, military training, and measures to further augment bilateral defence cooperation, according to the ISPR.

The army chief underscored the robust relations between the Pakistan Army and the People's Liberation Army, highlighting the ongoing bilateral military cooperation as a testament to the enduring brotherhood between the two nations.

The visiting dignitary expressed admiration for Pakistan's concerted efforts in combating terrorism and extremism, acknowledging the unwavering professionalism and dedication of the Pakistan Army.

General Asim expressed his gratitude to the dignitary, reiterating that Pakistan deeply cherished its fraternal ties with China.

Earlier, upon arrival at the General Headquarters, General Li Qiaoming paid respects at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada by laying a floral wreath, and was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army, in a ceremonial display of respect and hospitality.