Pakistan an 'irreplaceable' friend, Chinese foreign minister tells army chief

General Raheel Sharif met senior Chinese leaders on Monday during his official visit

RAWALPINDI: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a meeting with the army chief, said that Pakistan is China’s irreplaceable, all-weather friend, and that both the countries are part of a community of shared heritage.

According to Director-General Inter Services Public Relations Major General Asim Bajwa, army chief General Raheel Sharif met senior Chinese leaders, including Chairman People’s Conference HE Mr Yu Zhengsheng, State Leader Yu Zhengsheng and the Chinese foreign minister, among others, on Monday.

#Chinese FM to #COAS in mtng:#Pak is China's irreplaceable all weather friend,both countries part of community of shared destiny

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) January 26, 2015

Meng Jianzhu, member Politburo, the second highest council within the Communist Party assured the army chief that China has consistent policy on Pakistan that is beyond individuals, adding that Pakistan’s concern is China's concern.

Zhengsheng said that Pakistan has always stood by China, terming it as its “the most reliable partner.”

The Chinese government, and the people will help Pakistan in all respects, added the state leader.

General Raheel thanked the Chinese leaders for inviting him, saying the world must understand the evolving environment. "Greater international focus, coordination is needed to end the fight against terrorism."

#COAS held important 3 x mtngs with snr Chinese ldrs.Met State Ldr,Chmn Peoples Conference HE Mr Yu Zhengsheng. pic.twitter.com/PTOgqgQxyv

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) January 26, 2015

State Ldr Mr Yu said,#Pak has always stood by #China.Is our most reliable friend.China govt&people stand by Pak,will help it in all respects

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) January 26, 2015

Mr Meng Member Politburo to #COAS: On #Pak, #China has consistent policy beyond individuals.Pak concern is China's concern.

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) January 26, 2015

#COAS thanked chinese ldrs 4 sp: "World must understand evolving Envmt.Greater intl focus,Coord needed 2 logically concl fight vs terrorism"

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) January 26, 2015

Earlier on Sunday, General Raheel held an extensive meeting with his Chinese counterpart, General Qi Jianguo, and discussed regional security and defence-related issues.

The army chief is on a two-day official visit on the invitation of Chinese officials to meet the political and military leadership.