Chinese, Pakistani army chiefs discuss regional security, military cooperation

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistan and Chinese military commanders on Wednesday discussed regional security and bilateral military cooperation, reiterating the need for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, met the commander of China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Gen. Liu Zhenli, on the first day of his four-day visit to Beijing, said a statement from Pakistan army's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Munir, in the first leg of his tour, visited the PLA Headquarters where he was presented with the guard of honor.

"Matters of mutual security interests and military cooperation were discussed. Both military commanders reiterated the need for maintaining peace and stability in the region and enhancing military-to-military cooperation," the statement added.

Munir also witnessed a demonstration of the operational capabilities of the PLA troops, and praised the "high standards of training and the professionalism displayed by the soldiers."

Beijing and Islamabad are going to participate in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this week in India, a longtime rival of the two allies.

He will hold further meetings with top Chinese military leaders to discuss ways of enhancing the "long-standing relations between the two armies."

Munir's visit to Islamabad's longtime trade and military partner follows an uptick in terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent months.

At least 293 people have lost their lives, while 521 were wounded in some 436 terrorist incidents across the country this year.