CORRECTS - Chinese, Pakistani army chiefs discuss regional security

CORRECTS YEAR IN LAST PARA

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistani and Chinese military commanders on Wednesday discussed regional security and bilateral military cooperation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir met with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Commander Gen. Liu Zhenli on the first day of his four-day visit to Beijing, said a statement from Pakistan Army's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Munir, in the first leg of his tour, visited the PLA headquarters, where he was given a guard of honor.

"Matters of mutual security interests and military cooperation were discussed. Both military commanders reiterated the need for maintaining peace and stability in the region and enhancing military-to-military cooperation," the statement added.

Munir also witnessed a demonstration of the PLA's operational capabilities and praised the "high standards of training and the professionalism displayed by the soldiers."

He will hold further meetings with top Chinese military leaders to discuss ways to enhance the "long-standing relations between the two militaries."

Munir's visit to Islamabad's longtime trade and military partner follows an uptick in terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent months.

At least 297 people have died and 521 have been injured in 436 terrorist incidents across the country over the last year, according to the army.​​​​​​​