ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, who is on an official visit to China called on Defence Minister and State Councilor, General Wei Fenghe of Peoples’ Republic of China.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest were discussed, a press release issued here by Directorate of Public Relations of Pakistan Navy on Thursday said.

The Naval Chief congratulated General Wei Fenghe on his appointment as Defence Minister of Peoples’ Republic of China and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support on “One China” policy and on China’s other core interests.

He elaborated on the close relationship between the armed forces of the two countries.

The Chinese Defence Minister thanked Chief of the Naval Staff on Pakistan’s support to China and appreciated the strong ties between the armed forces of the two countries. He reiterated China’s firm commitment in support of Pakistan’s core interests.

General Wei Fenghe termed Pakistan as China’s all weather strategic partner. On China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as vital part of belt and road initiative, both sides expressed their full confidence and termed it as a project aimed at prosperity and economic empowerment of the people of the region and beyond.

Earlier, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi also met Defence Industry Leadership of China including President Poly Technologies, President China Geological Survey and Chairman China State Ship Building Corporation. Issues related to ongoing and future projects of Pakistan Navy were discussed.—APP