Nawaz Sharif lauds Chinese defence cooperation

Describing China as a pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said his country deeply values the resolute Chinese support and cooperation in all domains. 

“I am confident that the defence cooperation between Pakistan and China will grow from strength to strength in years to come and will be a source of improving peace, security and stability in the region,” Nawaz Sharif said while speaking at the induction into Navy the indigenously constructed frigate “ASLAT” with the collaboration of China. 

The ceremony at Karachi was also attended by Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, Mr. Wang Dieje Assistant President of China Shipbuilding Trading Company and senior Navy officials. 

“Pakistan views its relationship with China as enduring, multidimensional and deep rooted, which has always stood the test of times,” the Prime Minister said.

He recalled that the extent of strength, cooperation, mutual trust and respect of this all weather friendship has been best described by the former Chinese Premier Hu Jintao as “higher than the highest mountains and deeper than the deepest oceans”. 

“It therefore goes without saying that Pakistan’s foreign relations with China form a pillar of Pakistan’s foreign Policy.”

He said Pakistan deeply values the resolute Chinese support and cooperation in all domains. Construction of F-22P Frigate at Karachi Shipyard under transfer of technology arrangement is a testament of the everlasting bond of friendship that exists between China and Pakistan.

“I am confident that the defence cooperation between the two countries will grow from strength to strength in years to come and will be a source of improving peace, security and stability in the region.”

He acknowledged Chinese cooperation in development of Gwadar Deep Water Port which has strengthened the maritime infrastructure in Pakistan and opened new vistas of economic growth and prosperity in Baluchistan.

“I am sure that the port will become a major game changer vis-à-vis the trade and the economy of the region when rail and road routes from Makran coast to the Western region of China through Khunjrab are developed.”

Nawaz Sharif expressed the resolve to develop maritime sector to fully exploit the geo-strategic location of the country, adding Pakistan is contributing effectively to fight the forces that are out to destabilize and destroy international borders.

Addressing the ceremony Naval Chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila said strong naval force is required to deal with the challenges being faced by the country.

He said Pakistan does not have any aggressive designs against any country and it wants to promote peace in the region. The Naval Chief thanked Chinese engineers for their assistance in building the Frigate. He termed the commissioning of Aslat Frigate in Pak Navy fleet historic.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Sep 3 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.