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ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said Pakistan and China would continue and expand cooperation in all fields including defence and defence production.

He was talking to a Chinese Defence delegation led by General CAO Gangchauan, Defence Minister of China who called on the President at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Satisfaction on Cooperation

President Musharraf expressed satisfaction over the existing levels of cooperation between the two countries in all fields, including defence and defence production, and expressed the hope that current level of cooperation would also enhance, particularly with greater exchange of visits.

Close Friendship

Welcoming the delegation he recalled his meeting with General Ganchuan during his visit to China and reaffirmed the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The Chinese dignitary thanked the government of Pakistan, particularly the Ministry of Defence for extending exemplary hospitality to the delegation.

He conveyed the good wishes of the Chinese leadership including President Hu Jintao to President General Pervez Musharraf. He termed his interaction with Pakistani leadership as excellent and fruitful.

New generation should carry ahead Pak-China Friendship

Earlier, Chinese Defence Minister and Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission (CMC) General Cao Gangchuan urged the younger generations of Pakistan and China to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

He expressed these views while speaking at a dinner last night hosted in his honour by Senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence, Rao Sikandar Iqbal at the Pakistan Air Force Mess.

General Cao Gangchuan said that relations between the two countries needed to be further consolidated and developed. The Defence Minister of China congratulated the people, Government and Armed Forces of China. General CAO Gangchuan thanked the people, Government and Armed Forces of Pakistan for extending hospitality and warm welcome to the visiting delegation.

Speaking at the dinner, Senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence, Rao Sikandar Iqbal said that Pakistan and China had always enjoyed close and cordial relations. He said that the Government and people's liberation Army of China had been providing assistance to the Armed Forces and Defence Production Establishments of Pakistan in military and defence fields.

The Minister stated that in the field of defence industry the two countries had undertaken a number of projects. These projects include co-production of Main Battle Tank-2000, up-gradation of other tanks of Pakistan Army, joint development of Super-7 (JF Thunder) fighter aircraft, provision of F-7 PG and FT-7 PG aircraft to Pakistan Air Force and building of 200 tons Patrol and Missile craft and proposed construction of F-22P Frigate for Pakistan Navy. He said these were the golden chapters of the history of defence collaboration between the two countries.

The dinner was attended by Secretary Defence, Hamid Nawaz Khan, Vice Chief of Army Staff General Muhammad Yousaf, Chairman Joint Chief of Staffs General Muhammad Aziz Khan, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Kaleem Saadat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah, Federal Minister for Interior Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, Minister for Privatization Dr. Hafiz Sheikh, Minister of State for Defence Production Habibullah Waraich, Chinese Ambassador and other senior military and civil officials.

Sino-Pak Cooperation on Nuclear non-Proliferation

A report from Beijing adds: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said that China and Pakistan have increased their cooperation and support in the recent years dealing with various regional and international issues including nuclear non-proliferation and anti-terrorism.

Talking to special correspondent pf Pakistan's state-owned news agency at a reception held in Beijing on the occasion of Pakistan Day, he said the two countries are enjoying excellent cooperation and understanding in all areas of bilateral interest.

Lauds Pakistan's Efforts

China, Yesui said appreciates Pakistan's efforts and support for nuclear non-proliferation, combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability.

His country, he said, highly valued the support extended by Pakistan on the questions of human rights and Taiwan. Pakistan always advocated for one-china policy, he noted.

Zhang Yesui said the leadership of the two countries are committed to maintain the momentum of their decades' old friendship under all circumstances."

Bilateral Cooperation

The two countries have deepened bilateral cooperation in the fields of non-traditional security and jointly combating drug trafficking.

They always offered strong support to each other on major issues and maintained regular consultation and effective cooperation at regional and international affairs.