ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China Monday agreed to further strengthen their existing bilateral relations and work collectively in different areas, especially for betterment of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the aviation division.

The agreement reached between Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing during a meeting here, said a press release. Senior officials of the aviation division were also present on the occasion.

The two sides discussed matters relating to promotion of mutual cooperation in diverse fields.

Sardar Mehtab apprised the ambassador about the steps taken by the incumbent government for the uplift of aviation industry.

It was decided to extend the cooperation in airport development projects and enhancement of air travel facilities in view of phenomenal growth of business opportunities between the two countries.

The adviser appreciated the Chinese cooperation for construction and development of Gwadar Airport project under the exceptional project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Both the sides also discussed technical cooperation in the field of aviation particularly in aircraft maintenance and engineering services.

Sardar Mehtab also sought cooperation of China for upgradation of early warning system to improve weather forecasting system.

He said China and Pakistan were bosom friends and this strategic partnership was unique in many ways as the two countries always supported each other. The bilateral ties are gaining strength with each passing day, he added.

The two sides affirmed to strengthen the regional cooperation and bilateral relations to ensure the prosperity and sustainable development of the aviation sector.

Chinese Ambassador said cooperation between the two countries in the aviation sector would continue, assuring to collaborate in different projects to further stimulate this relation by collaborating in aviation sector, particularly for the betterment of different departments of PIA including IT, and engineering setup, latest radar system and warning system of weather forecast.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing assured his support and affirmed that China was willing to further work closely with Pakistan in aviation field.

He appreciated the endeavors taken by Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab and said that China acknowledged the steps taken by incumbent government for restructuring of PIA.