ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have mutually agreed on extending their bilateral relations and to work collectively for the betterment of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Aviation Division.
A meeting was held on Monday between Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing in which matters relating to mutual cooperation in different sectors came under discussion.
Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan apprised the ambassador regarding the steps taken by the incumbent government for the uplift of the aviation industry. It was mutually decided to extend the cooperation for the development of airport projects and enhancement of air travel facilities in view of the phenomenal growth of business opportunities between two countries.
Advisor to PM appreciated Chinese cooperation for the construction and development of Gwadar Airport project under the exceptional project of CPEC. Both sides also discussed technical cooperation in the field of aviation, particularly the development of a new maintenance repair overhaul facility to provide aircraft maintenance and engineering services to Pakistani and regional airlines. Advisor to PM also sought the cooperation of China for the upgrade of early warning systems to improve weather forecasting system.
During the meeting, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan said that China and Pakistan are bosom friends and this strategic partnership is unique in many ways and both countries have undoubtedly supported each other through thick and thin. He further expressed that hearts are always connected with each other and this relationship is gaining strength with every passing day.
Both sides affirmed to strengthen the regional cooperation and bilateral relations to ensure the prosperity and sustainable development of aviation sector.
Chinese Ambassador expressed that the cooperation of both countries in the aviation sector will continue and warmly assured to collaborate in different projects to further stimulate this relation and to collaborate 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 forecasting.
Chinese Ambassador, Yao Jing assured his support and affirmed that China is willing to further work closely with Pakistan in the aviation field. He appreciated the endeavours taken by Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mahtab and said that China acknowledges the steps taken by the incumbent government to restructuring Pakistan International Airlines. Advisor thanked the Ambassador and expressed that both countries are embracing strong relations with every passing day.