BEIJING – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called onChinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday and discussed with himregional security environment, challenges and the way forward, theInter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The Chinese president said that Pakistan is our time-tested, iron friendand Pakistan Army has a pivotal role towards this lasting relationship. Heappreciated professionalism of Pakistani armed forces and acknowledgedtheir role towards regional peace and stability, according to the ISPRstatement.
President Xi said that China shall continue to support Pakistan as astrategic partner.
He said that those who oppose Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) orChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) shall never succeed as these areinitiatives of peace and development not only for China, but for region andbeyond.
On the occasion, the COAS thanked President Xi for his invitation and foracknowledging professionalism and contributions of Pakistan Army towardsregional peace and stability, the statement said further.
General Bajwa said that Pakistan understands the importance of peace andhas given a lot of sacrifices for achieving it.
He said the BRI with CPEC as its flagship project is destined to succeeddespite all odds and Pakistan Army shall ensure security of CPEC at allcosts.
The COAS said that while they work for peace, they need to stay strong tothwart designs of all inimical forces challenging their resolve, and thatthey greatly value Chinese support in this regard.