Islamabad: China`s Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu arrived in Islamabad for a two-day visit against the backdrop of growing tensions between Pakistan and the US over accusations that the Pakistani spy agency ISI was involved in waging a proxy war in Afghanistan.
Meng, China`s top security official, met Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani shortly after his arrival in the capital.
The two leaders discussed the situation in the region and the war on terrorism, sources said.
There was no official word on the meeting.
The Chinese minister is expected to meet Prime Minister
Yousuf Raza Gilani and attend a banquet hosted in his honour
by President Asif Ali Zardari.
He will hold talks with the political and military
leadership on bilateral relations, the regional situation and
matters of mutual interest, officials said.
Meng was received at the Chaklala military airbase in
Rawalpindi by Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who sought to
play down questions from reporters about the Chinese leader
visiting Pakistan at a time of heightened tensions with the
US.
"Let’s not talk (about the) US here. I am here with my
friend (from) China. China is always there for us in the most
difficult moments," Malik said.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said Meng?s visit was
prescheduled and in the context of the 60th anniversary of
Sino-Pakistan ties.
Meng said his discussions with Pakistani leaders would
focus on ways to "contribute to national security and regional
stability".
Cooperation against Uighur Chinese militants would also
be discussed, Malik said.
PTI
