Lauding the Defence co-operation between China and Pakistan at various levels, the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir on Friday expressed gratitude to People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy for providing whole-hearted support for implementation of ambitious F-22P Frigate project.
"As we all know that the military co-operation between Pakistan and China is very long standing," he said adding that our military co-operation strengths from the deep rooted understanding and friendship at the political level.
Admiral Afzal Tahir who held meetings with Chinese Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie, Commander of PLA Navy Admiral Wu Shengli and other senior officials during his visit was talking to media persons here. The highlight of his visit is the launching of first F-22P Frigate - PNS Zulfiqar at Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai on April 7, in which he will be the chief guest.
Three of the four ships of this class for which both the countries have signed a pact in 2005 will be built in China while the fourth one to be constructed at Karachi Shipyard under transfer of technology agreement. "Its a very comprehensive project that is being undertaken by the two sides as far as for the collaboration between the two navies is concerned" he said.
He pointed out that PLA is providing all assistance to meet our requirements in the construction of these ships that will play a very pivotal role for our surface fleet as these ships will be utilised in defence of our maritime interest.
These ships are being built in accordance with the naval standards. He said that when the ships are launched the PLA Navy will also provide support in training of our personnel. The project, he said, is going to act as catalyst for further co-operation in the construction of naval ship between Pakistan and China.
The Naval Chief said as far as the defence collaboration is concerned under the overall umbrella of strong political understanding between our two countries, it will continue to strengthen in the coming days. Admiral Afzal Tahir said we are sure that the armed forces of both the countries would benefit from this co-operation.
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