BEIJING: Pakistan and China will continue to hold naval exercises, particularly in non-traditional security fields, to strengthen their defence capability and enhance professional skills.
The leadership of the two navies, at their meetings held this week in Beijing, agreed to expand their cooperation, sharing their experience and expertise in the defence sector.
Defence sources told APP here on Friday that it was decided to have a long-term cooperation through bilateral military exercises, exchange of visits and training.
While giving a briefing on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah’s visit to China concluded on Wednesday, the sources said the visit was highly productive and result-oriented. They hoped it would go a long way in bringing the two navies closer to each other.
The Pakistani side invited China to have another military exercise between the two navies. The first naval exercise, held in October last year at the Shanghai coast, had proved successful. It was for the first time that China had engaged itself in naval operation with another foreign country.
Admiral Karimullah had detailed discussion with Chinese Defence Minister General Cao Guangchuan, the Commander People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Navy Vice-Admiral Zhang Dingfa and head of General Armament Department PLA, Lt-Gen Li Jinai.
The two sides resolved to consolidate their strategic partnership in different areas, meeting the needs of modern-time naval warfare.
Admiral Karimullah and his Chinese counterpart Commander Zhang Dingfa during their meeting reviewed the entire spectrum of their bilateral cooperation and worked out a future strategy.
During meeting with Admiral Karimullah, the Chinese defence minister assured that Beijing would continue to attach high priority to its relations with Islamabad.
According to the PLA’s sources, General Cao who is also vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and State Councillor, termed their close ties as a unique example of friendship between the two-neighbouring nations.
Admiral Karimullah said Pakistan cherished its deep traditional friendship with China and was committed to strengthening their strategic partnership in all areas of mutual interest.