On April 20 local time, President Xi Jinping met in Islamabad with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Rashad Mahmood, Chief of the Army Staff Raheel Sharif, Chief of Naval Staff Muhammad Zakaullah and Chief of the Air Staff Sohail Aman and other military leaders of Pakistan.

Xi Jinping noted that the Pakistani military, serving as the backbone of the China-Pakistan friendship, has played a long-term and important role in the development of bilateral relations. Under the new circumstances, the understanding and support of the Pakistani military are necessary for the two countries to forge a closer China-Pakistan community of shared destiny. The Chinese and Pakistani militaries should maintain the momentum of mutual high-level visits, bring the China-Pakistan consultation mechanisms on defense and security into full play, and deepen and expand cooperation in such fields as joint exercise and training, so as to enrich the connotation of bilateral strategic cooperation. China firmly backs Pakistan's efforts in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and in promoting its counter-terrorism strategies in accordance with its own national conditions. Pakistan has made tremendous efforts in fighting against terrorism and grown into an important force for maintaining peace and promoting development in the region. In recent years, China and Pakistan have scored remarkable achievements in their cooperation in counter-terrorism, which is of great significance to maintaining the security in both China and Pakistan.

The Pakistani military leaders including Rashad Mahmood extended warm welcome to Xi Jinping for his visit to Pakistan, saying that the Pakistan-China relations, which are prominently characterized by firm cooperation in defense and security, are of comprehensive, long-term and strategic significance. They are grateful to China for its long-term help and assistance to Pakistan. The Pakistani military supports both sides to constantly consolidate and deepen Pakistan-China friendly cooperation and will firmly back China's efforts in fighting against terrorism and safeguarding national security.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the meeting.