ISLAMABAD, April 24 (APP):Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, who is on an official visit to China Wednesday called on China’s Minister of National Defence and State Councilor, General Wei Fenghe at Beijing and attended International Fleet Review at Qingdao.
During the meeting, matters related to maritime security and bilateral cooperation were discussed, a Directorate of Public Relations of Pakistan Navy press release said.
Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said the close relationships between peoples and armed forces of the two countries were time-tested and based on mutual respect and trust.
He thanked the Chinese minister for wholehearted participation of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with Ships and Special Forces/Marine Teams in Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-19, which was it as a project aimed at prosperity and economic empowerment of people of the region and beyond.
Both the dignitaries also agreed on further enhancing the bilateral cooperation hosted by Pakistan Navy at Karachi.
General Wei Fenghe highly appreciated the successful conduct of Exercise AMAN-19. He termed Pakistan as China’s all weather strategic partner.
On China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a vital part of Belt and Road Initiative, both sides expressed their full confidence and termed in the domains of military collaboration.
During the visit, the naval chief also attended ‘International Fleet Review’ held as a part of 70th anniversary celebrations of the founding of PLA Navy.
The multinational naval event, being held at the coastal city of Qingdao, also includes high level symposium, military band performances and cultural and sports exchanges.
The current visit of chief of the naval staff would greatly augment the bilateral cooperation between both the countries in general and navies in particular.
Pakistan's National News Agency
