ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani discussed on Monday security situation in the region with senior military officials of China.

Army’s media affairs wing ISPR said in a statement that Gen Kayani’s four-day trip to Beijing was for discussions on Pak-China defence and security cooperation.

“Security situation in the region and the possible role both countries can play towards strategic stability was discussed during Gen Kayani’s meetings with Chinese leaders,” a military spokesman said.

ISPR said the army chief had been invited by the Chinese authorities for the trip.

On the first day of the visit, Gen Kayani met General Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, and Guo Shengkun, State Councillor and Minister for Ministry of Public Security.

Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Yesui and Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Peoples Liberation Army General Hou Shusen hosted receptions in honour of the visiting general.“COAS reiterated goodwill of the government and people of Pakistan and thanked Chinese leadership for China’s support to Pakistan,” ISPR said about the meetings in Beijing.

APP adds: Senior military officials from China and Pakistan agreed to update their military ties and cooperation.

Fan Changlong praised the fruitful development of military relations, which “mirrors our all-weather friendship”, during his meeting with General Kayani, Xinhua news agency reported.

Gen Fan vowed joint efforts with Pakistan to expand areas of military cooperation, promote personnel exchanges and beef up ties.

Gen Kayani said Pakistan viewed its strategic ties with China as highly significant.

He expressed the hope that youths of the two armed forces could enjoy stronger exchanges.