China to back Pakistan in ensuring security of $46 billion
economic corridor project
Islamabad: China will support Pakistan in ensuring the
security of the ambitious USD 46 billion economic corridor project that aims to
directly link the Communist giant to the Arabian Sea via the strategic port of
Gwadar, China's highest ranking defence official has said.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a
special economic project giving Beijing greater access to the Middle East,
Africa and Europe through Pakistan's Gwadar port.
Under the project, Pakistan's Gwadar port city will
get linked to China's Kashgar city in Xinjiang through a network of roads and
oil pipelines.
"We look forward to close cooperation with
Pakistan side to ensure proper management and security of CPEC," Fan
Changlong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, told Pakistan
Army chief Raheel Sharif.
In his meeting with Gen Sharif at General
Headquarters on Thursday, Fan said,
"China deeply appreciates the determination of
Pakistan Army in counter terrorism and the successful operation in various
fields."
Terming the CPEC equally beneficial to both China
and Pakistan, Fan said the two countries are committed to its continuous
process and success.
He said of efforts by Pakistan Army in safeguarding
CPEC security are highly appreciated.
Fan said Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices in
the war against terrorism.
"China values the efforts of Pakistan Army in
fighting East Turkistan Islamic Movement," he was quoted as saying by the
military.
Highlighting Pak-China defence and security
cooperation, Fan said, "China and Pakistan are the best iron brothers,
good friends and strategic partners."
He also said that the mutually supportive
cooperation in the field of defence is a critical factor in maintaining peace
and stability in the region.
Welcoming Fan to Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif said that the friendship with China is the cornerstone of his country's
foreign policy as both the countries enjoy unparallelled ties in the
contemporary world.
According to an official statement, the Prime
Minister emphasised the time-tested friendship between the two countries.
"General Fan Changlong appreciated Pakistan's
role in its fight against terrorism and added that both countries share common
view on combating the evil of terrorism and extremism," the statement
said.
The top Chinese military official is visiting
Pakistan on Pakistan Army's invitation. He is also expected to visit India.
PTI
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