The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the Pakistan Army as "a pillar of national stability and a "strong guardian of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation" during his recent visit to Pakistan.
This acknowledgment followed a high-level meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Field Marshal Munir in Islamabad on August 21. The ministry said in a statement that Foreign Minister Wang said the Pakistan Army had always strongly supported the implementation of important consensus reached between the leadership of the two countries.
The meeting took place during Foreign Minister Wang's three-day official visit to Pakistan. During the visit, Wang also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visit came against the backdrop of a host of regional and international developments.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang told the Pakistani side that strengthening the bilateral relations at a time of global uncertainty was highly beneficial for regional peace and stability, stressing that China had always given top priority to Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy.
The Chinese foreign minister stated that despite difficult circumstances, the bond between China and Pakistan had grown stronger. He added that both the countries had established a lasting tradition of close friendship, the statement continued.
China would continue to extend full support to Pakistan in safeguarding its regional integrity and national security, Wang said. He welcomed Pakistan's major role in global affairs.
Field Marshal Munir stated that China remained Pakistan's "iron brother," and both countries have always stood by each other in times of joy and adversity, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
"The China-Pakistan strategic partnership is as strong as a rock, he said, adding that maintaining friendly ties with China was a unanimous stance of the entire Pakistani nation. He expressed gratitude to China's leadership for its valuable contributions to Pakistan's economic and social progress.
The Pakistan Army is ready to actively promote counterterrorism and security cooperation, said Field Marshal Asim Munir. He assured that all necessary steps would continue to protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. He said steps will be taken to further strengthen China-Pakistan friendship and continue progress on the path of development.
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