COAS meets Chinese president, discusses regional security challenges

BEIJING: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday and discussed with him regional security environment, challenges and the way forward, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The Chinese president said that Pakistan is our time-tested, iron friend and Pakistan Army has a pivotal role towards this lasting relationship. He appreciated professionalism of Pakistani armed forces and acknowledged their role towards regional peace and stability, according to the ISPR statement.

President Xi said that China shall continue to support Pakistan as a strategic partner.

He said that those who oppose Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) shall never succeed as these are initiatives of peace and development not only for China, but for region and beyond.

On the occasion, the COAS thanked President Xi for his invitation and for acknowledging professionalism and contributions of Pakistan Army towards regional peace and stability, the statement said further.

General Bajwa said that Pakistan understands the importance of peace and has given a lot of sacrifices for achieving it.

He said the BRI with CPEC as its flagship project is destined to succeed despite all odds and Pakistan Army shall ensure security of CPEC at all costs. 

The COAS said that while they work for peace, they need to stay strong to thwart designs of all inimical forces challenging their resolve, and that they greatly value Chinese support in this regard.

General Bajwa will return home after completion of the visit tonight.