Sino-Pak accord to boost military cooperation

Islamabad, Dec 16 (ANI): Pakistan and China have signed an agreement for military cooperation to take existing bilateral military ties to new heights.

The signing ceremony took place in Beijing between Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid and his Chinese counterpart at the conclusion of sixth round of Pakistan-China defence and security talks.

The sixth round of defence and security talks was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere between high-level defence officials from both sides headed by General Bingde and General Tariq, the Daily Times reported.

The dialogue covered a wide range of regional and international issues and a review of the ongoing military-to-military cooperation, including measures to bolster the existing ties. There was complete unanimity of views on all issues.

The two sides agreed to take forward their strategic partnership to new heights and agreed to augment the existing military-to-military cooperation.

While reviewing the growth of China-Pakistan relations over the past 57 years, the two leaders expressed satisfaction that the friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of time, notwithstanding changes in the international, regional and domestic environment and has matured into a comprehensive partnership.

Both sides were opposed to all forms of terrorism, extremism and militancy and resolved to cooperate with each other to fight these forces.

China conveyed its complete support to Pakistan's efforts to fight terrorism and appreciated the sacrifices made by the government and people of Pakistan in this regard.

The defence and security talks were instituted during 2002 and have since been held regularly, alternatively, in Pakistan and China and have matured into an extremely useful bilateral forum. (ANI)