Zhang Youxia meets with chief of Pakistani army

Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir in Beijing on Friday.

Zhang congratulated Munir on his recent appointment as field marshal in Pakistan's army, according to a news release from the Ministry of National Defense.

The Chinese military leader said that the relationship between the Chinese and Pakistani militaries is a crucial pillar of the two countries' relations, noting that cooperation in various fields between the two militaries has been fruitful.

Zhang emphasized that both sides should resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance strategic communication, maintain close exchanges and deepen practical cooperation.

China is committed to working with Pakistan to contribute to regional peace and development and to building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, he said.

China is willing to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan, Zhang said, expressing hope that Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

Munir said that the iron-clad brotherhood between Pakistan and China is all-encompassing, and that the people of Pakistan hold especially friendly sentiments towards China.

He expressed Pakistan's appreciation and support for the major initiatives proposed by China.

Pakistan is willing to deepen and expand practical cooperation in various fields with China, thereby continuously elevating the relationship between the two countries and their militaries to new heights, Munir noted.

Pakistan will make every effort to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of Chinese friends in Pakistan, he said.