COAS, Chinese envoy discuss matters of mutual interest, bilateral defense cooperation, and regional security

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that the recent visit of the Chinese defence minister to Pakistan will further strengthen Pakistan’s time-tested relations with its ‘iron brother’.

The army chief said this while talking to China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong on Monday who called on him here at the General Headquarters (GHQ), said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

According to the ISPR, matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence cooperation and regional security situation including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were discussed during the meeting.

The Chinese ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s role for peace and stability in the region.

On November 30, China’s Minister of National Defence General Wei Fenghe called on COAS Bajwa.

Detailing the meeting via its Twitter account, the ISPR said that during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral defence collaboration were discussed.

The army’s media wing said that the visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s sincere efforts for regional peace and provision of a secure environment for the CPEC projects.

“[The] COAS thanked the dignitary for China’s unwavering support to Pakistan on all key issues at regional and international forums.”

The ISPR in its press release said that the Pakistan Army greatly values their time-tested and brotherly relations with China. “We have been standing together all along, and our relations will be no different in wake of future challenges,” COAS Bajwa said.

Moreover, an MoU was also signed for enhancement of defence cooperation between both the armies. Minister of National Defence, laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada while a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary.