China and Pakistan have traditional friendship ties and their
armies are also friends of all weather, said a Chinese military
chief Monday at the conclusion of the eight-day Pakistan-China
Joint Exercise Friendship-2006.
"For many years Pakistan and China have focused on economic
development and regional stability. At the same time, we are
confronting the three evil forces, terrorism, extremism and
separatism. China is ready to conduct anti-terrorism with Pakistan
to construct the area of lasting peace and mutual prosperity," said
Lieutenant General Lu Dengming, Chief of Staff of the Chengdu
military region of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The Pakistani army is highly professional outfit and he and
other members of his entourage and the participating troops are
highly impressed with the professionalism, dedication and
commitment of the Pakistani troops during conduct of joint exercise
friendship 2006, Lu told a group of journalists in Rawalpindi, some
30 kms south from Islamabad.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Tariq Majid, Corps
Commander Rawalpindi said that Pakistan-China Joint Exercise,
Friendship-2006, "is a manifestation of our resolve that Pakistan
and China stand united to fight and eliminate the menace of
terrorism, which is affecting the entire fabric of human
society".
Majid said that the joint exercise epitomized high standards of
professionalism and helped refine the combat skills earning great
respect and admiration for each other's skills and competence.
The mutual rapport and personal understanding that has been
developed during the course of this exercise would go a long way in
cementing long lasting friendly relationship between Pakistan and
China, he said.
"Both Pakistan and China are playing very important role in
international efforts to make the globe more secure, so that our
future generations may live in peace and prosperity," he said.
Majid said that first ever exercise conducted by the PLA in
Pakistan "is a mark of distinction in our bilateral relations and
both armies and countries wish to continue with such exercises in
future as well".
The two sides have expressed their complete satisfaction on the
successful completion of the eight-day joint exercise, which is
likely to expand in level and scope in future and would definitely
help combat terrorism more effectively.
The exercise has ushered both the brotherly countries into new
dimensions of mutual trust and cooperation in the military field
and will go a long way in further strengthening and cementing the
traditional friendship between both countries.
Earlier a colorful closing ceremony marked the end of the joint
exercise in the mountainous region in Abbottabad, some 120 kms
northwest from Islamabad.
(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)
