BEIJING: Chinese Defence Minister and State Councilor Gen. Li Shangfu met with the Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber here today.
Gen. Li Shangfu, during the meeting, noted that Pakistan and China are iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative allies. Chinese President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the relations between both countries and has extended overall guidance for promoting bilateral ties, he said.
He continued, “We should cooperate closely in different fields and support establishing an ever-closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. We should work collectively to implement the important consensus the two countries’ leaders reached.”
China Military Online reported on Wednesday that Gen Li also noted that the military cooperation between Pakistan and China delivers high-level performance, with constantly improved collaboration mechanisms and close high-level exchanges.
The collaboration between the Pakistani and Chinese air forces has shown fruitful results. The two sides should use the “Shaheen (Eagle)” joint training platform to expand the depth of cooperation, carry out experience exchanges actively, and further enhance synergy.
Zaheer Ahmed Baber, Air Chief Marshal, expressed gratitude to China for its ongoing support of the PAF. According to him, Pakistan greatly values its long-standing friendship with China. Given the significant shifts currently taking place in both the international and geopolitical landscapes, the two countries should forge even deeper ties.
The PAF is willing to strengthen further cooperation and exchanges with China in combat, equipment, and other domains to contribute to jointly tackling constantly evolving regional security concerns. The air force is a critical force in the future battlefield. —APP
