To our Pakistani readers; here a photo of FFG251 in China before she heads home to Pakistan.

Pakistan, China agree to promote defence ties

* Chinese delegation meets defence minister, CJCSC

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\04\02\story_2-4-2009_pg7_12


Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and China agreed on Wednesday to further improve military and defence cooperation for bilateral benefit.

The agreement came at a meeting between Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and a visiting seven-member Chinese defence delegation, led by Deputy Chief of General Political Department PLA (China) Lt General Jia Ting.

The meeting discussed ongoing defence projects built with Chinese assistance, -- especially the JF-17 Thunder aircraft and F-22P frigates. Both sides expressed satisfation over the progress made in the projects.

Mukhtar said Pakistan attached great importance to ties with China – “a country that has always supported Pakistan in trade, economy and defence”. He praised the professionalism shown by the Chinese Navy while participating in the recently held ‘Aman Exercise 2009’ along with the Pakistan Navy. He hoped that such exercises would bring the two navies further closer and help both sides benefit from each other’s experience. He also said that Pakistan would provide all possible support to Chinese ships engaged in anti-piracy operations.

Lt General Jia called for further promoting closer ‘military-to-military cooperation’, to meet the challenges confronting the region. He praised Pakistan’s role in the war on terror.

Separately, the Chinese delegation also called on Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid. The CJCSC said that Pakistan considered China a ‘balancing factor’ in the current world politics ensuring peace and stability in the evolving global situation. Later, the delegation was briefed on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.