ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: Pakistan and China signed on Monday a military cooperation agreement.

The agreement was signed during Chinese Deputy Chief of General Staff General Ma Xiaotian’s visit to Rawalpindi for the ninth round of Pakistan-China defence and security talks.

Analysts believe the pact is about exchanges of officials and working-level delegations in training, logistics and education, besides providing Pakistan with advanced hardware and technology.

The talks also focused on enhancing military relations.

A statement by the ISPR said: “General Ma Xiaotian appreciated the role played by the people and armed forces of Pakistan, especially the efforts in fighting terrorism.” He reiterated that cooperation in different fields between the two armed forces would continue with a renewed resolve and commitment towards each other.

During his meeting with General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Xiaotian discussed matters related to cooperation between the two armed forces.

Later, the Chinese general called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, at the General Headquarters for discussions on “matters of professional interest”.