ISLAMABAD: Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission General Fan Changlong held separate meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday and appreciated Pakistan's role in its fight against terrorism and added that both countries share common view on combating the evil of terrorism and extremism.

The top military official of the People's Republic of China is in Islamabad on a goodwill visit to the country.

Welcoming General Changlong to Pakistan, the prime minister said that friendship with China is the corner stone of his country's foreign policy as both the countries enjoy unparalleled relations in the contemporary world.

Nawaz emphasised that the time-tested friendship between the two countries is based on strong mutual trust, cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues.

General Changlong said, “The mutually supportive cooperation in the field of defence is a critical factor in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”

The top Chinese military official, who is heading a high level Chinese Military delegation, said “China values the efforts of Pakistan Army in fighting East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM)”.

In his meeting General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters earlier in the day, General Changlong said, “China deeply appreciates the determination of Pakistan Army in counter terrorism and the successful operation in various fields.”

Terming the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) equally beneficial to both China and Pakistan, he said both countries are committed to its continuous process and future success.

He said efforts of Pakistan Army in safeguarding CPEC security are highly appreciated, adding, “We look forward to close cooperation with Pakistan side to ensure proper management and security of CPEC.”

General Fan Changlong particularly expressed his appreciation of the role played by General Raheel Sharif in realizing CPEC and strengthening relationship between China and Pakistan.

Highlighting Pak-China defence and security cooperation, General Fan Changlong said, “China and Pakistan are the best iron brothers, good friends and strategic partners.

“We share the tradition of mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual support,” he added.

General Changlong particularly expressed his appreciation of the role played by General Raheel Sharif in realising CPEC and strengthening relationship between China and Pakistan.

Highlighting Pak-China defence and security cooperation, the visiting general said, “China and Pakistan are the best iron brothers, good friends and strategic partners.”

We share the tradition of mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual support, he added.

General Changlong said “Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices in the war against terrorism”.

The Chinese military official is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistan Army.

The purpose of General Changlong's visit is to implement the consensus reached between the state leaders of the two countries, deepen China-Pakistan traditional friendship, promote practical cooperation, and further advance the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Earlier in January, General Raheel Sharif visited China and met General Changlong.

On that occasion, the General had praised Pakistan's national consensus against terrorism and the country's resolves, efforts, sacrifices in fighting the menace.

He also assured the visiting army chief of China's full cooperation in this regard.

The Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission is also expected to visit India later during the month.