Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Saturday that the friendship between Pakistan and China is “unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges”.
He made the remarks while addressing the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which was commemorated at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
It said that China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong was the guest of honour on the occasion. China’s Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, officials from the Chinese Embassy and senior military officers from Pakistan’s tri-services also attended the ceremony.
According to ISPR, Field Marshal Munir extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and congratulated the PLA on the occasion of its 99th founding anniversary.
“He paid tribute to the PLA’s remarkable contributions to China’s defence, national development and international peace and security,” it said.
“Highlighting the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, the field marshal observed that friendship between the two countries is unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges,” it said.
“He reaffirmed that Pakistan armed forces and the PLA are true partners, bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests,” the statement said.
It added that the Chinese ambassador expressed sincere appreciation to the field marshal for hosting the commemorative event.
“He acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and its enduring commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries,” the statement concluded.
