Xu Qiliang holds talks with Pakistani counterpart

Xu Qiliang, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People's Republic of China and commander of the Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), held talks with Tahir Rafique Butt, the visiting chief of staff of the Pakistani Air Force, on the afternoon of May 28, 2012 in the Air Force Headquarters.

Xu Qiliang said that China and Pakistan are close and friendly neighbors and their peoples share profound friendship. The Chinese side cherishes the friendly tradition of China-Pakistan all-dimensional cooperation, all-weather friendship and full recognition and support, and is willing to make joint efforts with the Pakistani side to make progress at a new starting point.

The Chinese and Pakistani militaries have achieved fruitful results from wide and in-depth cooperation. High-ranking officers of the two militaries conduct frequently reciprocal visits, during which they have exchanged views on issues of common concern.

In recent years, all previous leaders of the two air forces have attached great importance to the relations between the two air forces as evidenced by frequent reciprocal visits, which has laid a solid foundation for future exchanges and cooperation at various levels and in various fields between the two air forces.

It is believed that the friendly relations between the two air forces will be constantly promoted to a new high and open up a new prospect for exchanges and cooperation between the two air forces.

Tahir expressed that the Pakistani side attaches great importance to traditional friendly relations of the two countries and the two militaries, and is willing to continue to maintain and strengthen the mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation between the two air forces and expand exchanges in such fields as professional skills, in a bid to constantly push forward the friendly and cooperative relations between the two air forces.

Before the talks, Xu Qiliang held a welcome ceremony for Tahir.