ISLAMABAD – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa held animportant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

He called on Chinese President Xi Jinping on special invitation in China.

Both discussed regional security environment, challenges and way forward,military’s media wing ISPR said in a statement.

Chinese President said that Pakistan is our time-tested iron friend andPakistan Army has a pivotal role towards this lasting relationship. Heappreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledgedits role towards regional peace and stability.

Xi said that China shall continue to support Pakistan as a strategicpartner. President said that those who oppose Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) or CPEC shall never succeed as this is an initiative of peace anddevelopment not only for China but for the region and beyond.

COAS thanked President for his invitation. He also thanked President foracknowledging the professionalism and contributions of Pak Army towardsregional peace and stability. COAS said that Pakistan understands theimportance of peace and has given lot of sacrifices for achieving it.

Bajwa said that BRI with CPEC as its flagship is destined to succeeddespite all odds and Pak Army shall ensure the security of CPEC at allcosts. COAS said that while we work for peace we need to stay strong tothwart designs of all inimical forces challenging our resolve and wegreatly value Chinese support in this regard.