Pak, China anti-terror drill kicks off

The third Joint Exercise between special forces of Pak-China was inaugurated in China on Saturday.

The third Joint Exercise between special forces of Pak-China, YOUYI-III (Friendship), was inaugurated by Chief of General Staff Pakistan Army, General Khalid Shameem Wynne in a ceremony held in China on Saturday.

The 11-day counter-terrorism training exercise will be conducted in three phases between the combat teams of Special Forces from both sides.

Lanzhou Land Military Commander People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Lieutenant General Wang Guosheng said that the exercise will be another feather in the cap of security cooperation between the neighbouring countries. The official appreciated the professionalism and success of the special forces of Pakistan in the recent operations in fight against terrorism.

He lauded the commitment and determination of Pakistan Armed Forces to eliminate the terrorism in all forms, adding that both sides will learn from each other’s experiences, which will be helpful in any future counter terrorism operation.

Lt General Wynne said that the present exercise is a testimony from both sides to defeat terrorism from the region and added that Pakistanis greatly value their time tested ties with PLA and the people of China – a vital ingredient for regional security.

National anthems of both countries were played and their flags were hoisted during the ceremony. A display of weapons from both sides was appreciated by all the participants. Senior Military Commander Brigadier Li Fu Hua briefed the visitors about the Joint Exercise at Field Command Post. The ceremony was concluded with the slogan “Long Live Pakistan China Friendship”. Online

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2010.