BEIJING, June 20 -- General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Army Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.
General Zhang Youxia said that as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, Pakistan and China's iron-clad friendship has stood the test of the international vicissitudes and is rock-solid. China is ready to work with the Pakistani side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, further strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication, enrich and expand practical cooperation, and jointly deal with various global challenges.
He also said that the mil-to-mil relationship is an important pillar of bilateral relations. It is hoped that the two militaries will continue to support each other strategically, push for deeper and more solid defense and security cooperation, and jointly safeguard international and regional peace and stability.
Sahir said that the Pakistan-China friendship is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey. He thanked China for its long-term and strong support for Pakistan's development and security. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, Pakistan will firmly support China's principled position on the Taiwan question, and on the issues related to Xizang, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
He added that the Pakistani military is willing to deepen cooperation with the Chinese military in various fields such as high-level exchanges, joint training and exercises, counter-terrorism and stability maintenance, in a bid to safeguard common interests and promote common development.