Chinese general calls on Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif
General Fan Changlong met Army Chief General Raheel Sharif at GHQ in Rawalpindi.
RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) - General Fan Changlong, vice chairman of China’s Central Military, on Friday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif at GHQ Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest, steps for regional stability and defence cooperation, an army spokesperson reported.
On the occasion, General Raheel Sharif remarked that Pak-China relations are all weather, based on mutual trust and cooperation. He said this relationship has survived test of times and only bound to grow.
Gen Fan said: "Pak-China are the best iron brothers, good friends and strategic partners. We share tradition of mutual understanding, trust and support.”
He stated that China deeply appreciates determination of Pak Army in counter terrorism operations.
“China values Pak Army’s efforts in fighting ETIM," he added.
Giving remarks on importance of economic corridor between the two countries, General Fan said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is equally beneficial to China and Pakistan. Both are committed to its future success.
He said efforts of Pak Army in safeguarding CPEC project are highly appreciated.
“We look forward to close cooperation with Pakistani side to ensure proper management and security of CPEC," he said.
Meanwhile, Gen Fan also appreciated role played by COAS in realising CPEC and in strengthening relationship between Pakistan and China.
The CPEC involves energy and infrastructure projects linking the neighbours’ economies and creating an "economic corridor" between Pakistan’s Gwadar port and China’s western Xinjiang region.
The insurgency in Balochistan has raised doubts about the corridor, a network of roads, railways and pipelines, however, the Pak Army said it was tackling the security risks by setting up a special division, including nine army battalions and paramilitary forces.
China and Pakistan, being close and friendly neighbors, always trust each other, understand each other and support each other, and have made fruitful cooperation in various fields.
