ISTANBUL 

Putting its weight behind the Pakistani military, China has lauded the world’s sixth-largest military as “anchor of stability” by “safeguarding domestic stability.” 

The comments were made by China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang during a meeting with Pakistan’s visiting Military Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman, Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, in Beijing on Tuesday.

“The Pakistani army is a staunch defender and promoter of China-Pakistan friendship,” Qin said, according to a statement by China’s Foreign Ministry.

Mirza is on an official visit to China from Sunday until Thursday, leading a delegation for Pakistan-China defense and security talks.

Qin hoped that the Pakistani military “will continue to play its role as the anchor of stability by safeguarding domestic stability and contributing to the building of a China-Pakistan community of shared future,” Chinese broadcaster CGTN reported.

The Chinese foreign minister also thanked the Pakistani army “for its long-term efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.”

On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Qin said the multi-billion project has “achieved fruitful results after ten years of construction.”

According to a readout by the Pakistani military, Mirza also met the head of the Joint Staff Department, Gen. Liu Zhenli.

The duo reviewed ongoing bilateral defense cooperation between China and Pakistan, said Inter Services Public Relations of Pakistan.

“Pakistan-China friendship is highly valued and deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of Pakistani people. Not only have the military relations of the two countries withstood test of time, but also high-level cooperation in defense and training has progressed well,” Mirza said during his talks with various Chinese officials.

*Islamuddin Sajid from Pakistan contributed to this report.