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China declares Pakistan solid strategic partner
*Gen Fan tells Gen Raheel Beijing stands by Islamabad to counter any challenges *Terms operation Zarb-e-Azb a bold and hard blow to terrorists without any discrimination
BEIJING/RAWALPINDI: The most trusted, strongest and reliable ally of Islamabad, China on Sunday termed Pakistan a solid strategic partner.
The reaffirmation of the decades-long and all-weather partnership came amid Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif’s official visit to China, during which he called on China’s Vice Chairman Central Military Commission, Gen Fan Changlong in Beijing. During the unprecedented meeting held in a warmth and cordial atmosphere on Sunday morning, Gen Fan termed Pakistan-China as solid strategic partners, most important neighbours and iron brothers, ISPR Director General Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa tweeted on social media.
Showing solidarity with people of Pakistan, armed forces versus any challenge, Gen Fan praised the success of Zarb-e-Azb military operation against terrorists and termed it bold, hard blow for terrorists, without any discrimination. Gen Fan praised national consensus to combat terrorism, Pakistan’s resolve, efforts and sacrifices in fighting the menace of terrorism. He also assured China’s full support to Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. The COAS said that with nation’s support, Pakistan armed forces are fully determined and will go to any extent to eliminate terrorism from our soil.
General Raheel held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Gen Qi Jianguo and discussed full range of regional security and defence related issues. According to ISPR, the matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation including enhanced long-term defence collaboration, security and counter terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and training exchanges were discussed in the meeting. Earlier at his arrival, General Raheel Sharif was presented Guard of Honour at the People’s Liberation Army Headquarters. He reviewed guard of honor along with his Chinese counterpart.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk