Islamabad, 26 August 2024 (TDI): Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said on Monday that friendship with China is a corner-stone of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.
In a meeting with General Li Qiaoming, PLA Ground Forces Commander of China, who called on him here in Islamabad, Khwaja Asif said that Pakistan always valued its relations with China.
He appreciated long history of Pakistan-China ties in all fields.
The minister said these relations were focused on welfare of people of both sides and were not against any other country.
Khwaja Asif added that Pakistan attached great significance to its ties with China.
He commended that existing bilateral mechanisms, like Strategic Dialogue, Counter Terrorism Consultations and Consular Consultations.
He mentioned that the strategic ties between the two neighbouring countries were based on mutual trust.
The defence minister pointed out that Islamabad deeply appreciated Beijing’s diplomatic and material support in its fight against terrorism at regional and international fora.
He added that Pakistan-China Security Cooperation was pillar of regional stability. Cooperation in security and intelligence sharing has increased amidst growing threats, Asif maintained.
He reiterated that Pakistan was committed to stability and peace in the region with special focus on its tieswith Afghanistan. A peaceful Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and to the entire region.
The visiting dignitary lauded Pakistan’s efforts in fostering regional peace and stability, as well as Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in combating terrorism.
Both sides acknowledged the strong relationship between their Armed Forces and vowed to further expand defense collaboration.
