Pakistani Army serves as ballast of national stability: Chinese FM

Beijing: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said the Pakistani Army serves as the ballast of national stability and a staunch defender of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation.

This was stated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China about the meeting between Wang Yi and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Wang Yi said the Pakistani military has always supported both sides in earnestly implementing the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries.

He emphasised that in a world facing growing uncertainty, promoting a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability. He added that China has always prioritised Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and China-Pakistan relations have withstood the test of time and become even stronger.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said the two countries have forged an unbreakable traditional friendship. He said China will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its territorial integrity and national security, and welcomes Pakistan to play a greater role in international affairs.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Syed Asim Munir said China is Pakistan's ironclad friend, and that the two countries have always shared weal and woe, with their strategic partnership as solid as a rock. He said developing friendly relations with China is a consensus across Pakistani society. He expressed sincere gratitude for China's valuable support in the economic and social development of Pakistan over the long term.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said the Pakistani military is willing to actively promote counter-terrorism and security cooperation between the two countries, and will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, contributing to the consolidation and development of the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China.