Army chief General Syed Asim Munir on his first day of official visit to China discussed matters of mutual security interests and military cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Wednesday.
According to the ISPR, the COAS was given a warm welcome and presented with the guard of honour at the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Headquarters.
“COAS reviewed the smartly turned out contingent which was later followed by a detailed meeting with the Commander of PLA Army. 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 military’s media wing reported.
The army chief also witnessed a demonstration of the operational capabilities of the PLA troops and praised the high standards of training and professionalism displayed by the soldiers.
The COAS will hold further meetings with military leaders in China to enhance the long-standing relations between the two militaries, the ISPR furthered.
A day earlier, the army chief had kicked off his four-day maiden visit to China, being seen by many as crucial against the backdrop of recent geo-strategic developments.
COAS Munir’s four-day visit to China includes a series of meetings with military leaders aimed at strengthening the longstanding relations between the two armed forces, the military’s media affairs wing said.
These inaugural meetings are expected to be followed by further discussions on enhancing military cooperation and promoting greater collaboration in the areas of defence and security, it added.
This is COAS Munir’s fourth overseas visit ever since he took charge as the army chief. Earlier this year, he undertook a week-long official visit to UAE and Saudi Arabia and held meetings with the top leadership of the Gulf states.
During the visit, the officials reviewed Pakistan’s bilateral ties with the two countries and discussed ways to strengthen the relations.
Later in February, the COAS visited the United Kingdom for meetings on defence-related issues. He also attended a conference at Wilton Park, an executive agency created by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to foster open dialogue between governments.
COAS Munir, PLA Commander discuss security, military cooperation
