Chinese premier meets Pakistani army chief to enhance economic, security ties

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with visiting Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Monday to enhance bilateral economic and security ties.

Military-to-military relations have reinforced China-Pakistan ties, especially economic cooperation, Li said, calling on both sides to strengthen high-level contact and deepen exchanges in various fields.

Economic cooperation and security collaboration between the two should be pushed forward "like two wheels," according to the premier.

Li also hopes China and Pakistan will increase communication and coordination on global and regional issues to safeguard peace and promote common development and prosperity.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not only a flagship project between the two sides, but also conducive to development and prosperity of the whole region, stressed Li, saying China appreciates the strong support from Pakistan's government and military.

The premier said the two countries will share opportunities and overcome challenges through joint efforts to benefit the two peoples.

The Pakistani army appreciates Pakistan's profound friendship with China, Raheel Sharif said, stressing the Pakistani side expects achievements from the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and is ready to provide security for cooperation.

Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong also met with Raheel Sharif on Monday to promote military-to-military ties between the neighboring countries.