ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that security of the Chinese nationals is an utmost priority for Pakistan, adding that the government has taken all possible steps in this regard.
The prime minister made these remarks in a meeting with the Chinese Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan who called on him in Islamabad on Friday.
During the meeting, the prime minister said that Pakistan deeply values China’s support for Pakistan’s national security and territorial integrity. He expressed his confidence that Pakistan-China cooperation including in the field of defence will continue to grow to the benefit of the two countries.
Sharif said that both the countries enjoy a unique relationship and appreciated Chinese support for the projects including the Pakistan-China Economic corridor. He said that the economic corridor would not only benefit the two nations but also transform the region’s economy by connecting the south and central Asian regions.
The premier said that solid foundation for our time tested and all weather friendship is provided by strong bilateral trust‚ excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues.
On the occasion, the Chinese defence minister reiterated his government’s support for Pakistan.
On Thursday, the Chinese defence minister held a meeting with the federal minister for defence Khawaja Asif at the defence ministry. During the meeting, two sides discussed defence production, maritime cooperation, joint military exercises and defence and security cooperation.
The Chinese defence minister said that China-Pakistan defence cooperation was a factor of peace and stability in the region.
Sino-Pak “cooperation has an overarching strategic dimension”. He further said: “Our mutually supportive cooperation in the field of defence is a critical factor in maintenance of peace and stability in the region,” a statement by the ministry quoted the visiting Chinese minister as saying.
Later, the Chinese defence minister visited the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi where he was received by the army chief General Raheel Sharif.
Following a one-to-one meeting between with Chinese defence minister and General Sharif, delegation-level bilateral talks were held.
