RAWALPINDI, Dec 10: A contingent of the People’s Liberation Army of China arrived here on Sunday to participate in joint military exercises with the Pakistan Army.

The 10-day exercises “Friendship-2006” starting on Monday are aimed at strengthening the existing bonds of friendship between armies of the two countries. The exercises will be second of its nature. The first such exercises were held in China in 2004.

The aim of the exercises is to benefit from each others’ experiences in planning and conduct of anti-terrorist operations. It will be for the first time that troops from the People’s Liberation Army will carry out joint exercises in Pakistan.

A flag hoisting ceremony will also be held to mark the beginning of the joint exercises. High-level delegations from the two countries are expected to witness the joint exercises.

On arrival at the PAF Base, Chaklala, the PLA delegation was warmly received by senior Pakistan Army officers.

Later, at a ceremony held at the Rear Headquarters, Force Command Northern Areas, members of the People’s Liberation Army contingent were decorated with the insignias of the exercises “Friendship 2006”.