ISLAMABAD, AUG 1: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday highlighted the enduring nature of Pakistan-China relations, saying the two countries’ “unique” friendship has stood firm through evolving challenges.

The army chief made the remarks during a ceremony commemorating the 99th anniversary of the founding of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong attended the ceremony as guest of honour, it added.

China’s Defence Attache Major General Wang Zhong, officials of the Chinese Embassy and senior military officers from Pakistan’s tri-services also attended the ceremony.

Field Marshal Munir extended a warm welcome to the guests and congratulated the PLA on the occasion of its 99th founding anniversary.

CDF Munir paid tribute to the PLA’s remarkable contributions to China’s defence, national development and international peace and security.

Highlighting the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, the army chief observed that friendship between the two countries was “unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges”.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces and the PLA were true partners, bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Zaidong expressed sincere appreciation to Field Marshal Munir for hosting the commemorative event.

He acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and its enduring commitment to further strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries.