Pak-China relationship has no parallel in world: COAS Bajwa

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday attended a reception held in Islamabad on the 90th founding day of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

General Bajwa attended the reception as chief guest, where he conveyed his compliments to all ranks of the PLA on behalf of the Pakistan Army.

On the occasion, the COAS felicitated Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vice Chairman Central Military Commission General Fan Changlong, and Chief of Joint Staff General Fang Fenghui.

"This day symbolizes the power of people’s unity, unflinching resolve and sacrifices, owing to which PLA, today, is one of the finest military outfits in the world," he said, in his address to attendees.

Gen Bajwa said that the Army and the people of Pakistan take great pride in their deep-rooted brotherly relationship with the People’s Republic of China.

"This enviable relationship finds no parallel in the World," he stated.

He said that both China and Pakistan today are faced with similar challenges and opportunities.

"Both countries have assumed shared responsibility towards stability in the region and prosperity of our people. This unity of purpose has led to the consolidation and has strengthened our resolve as determined nations, to brave all challenges and storms together."

The COAS said that as important strategic players in the region, relations between China and Pakistan have jointly benefitted both the countries.

"Today, this close collaboration spans over a wider canvas than ever before and ranges across strategic initiatives like China Pakistan Economic Corridor, defence collaboration in numerous joint projects and united diplomatic front, internationally."

Gen Bajwa said, "Pakistan is indebted to China for its unflinching support to our perspective at all international forums, may it be the expansion of Nuclear Suppliers Group, Kashmir Issue, or Pakistan’s full membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China has always provided unconditional support to Pakistan’s efforts for reconciliation in Afghanistan, especially at the platform of Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG)."

He said the two countries are also actively cooperating in all fields against the war on terror.

"From diplomatic cooperation to security collaboration, we have stood by each other through thick and thin and shall continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, come rain or shine."

Towards the end of his address, the COAS expressed his belief that professional collaboration between PLA and Pakistan Army will continue to expand to bring peace to the region in general. and China and Pakistan in particular.