JF-17 flagship of historic cooperation with China: PM Gilani
09 February, 2011
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that JF-17 programme project with China can truly be termed as the flagship of our historic cooperation and its success would certainly strengthen out time tested friendship. He expressed these views during his visit to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra where he witnessed the remarkable progress made in co-production of JF-17 aircraft. General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force were also present at the occasion. Federal Ministers for Defence, Finance and acting Minister for Defence Production including Governor State Bank of Pakistan accompanied the PM during the visit. On this occasion, the PM was also given a presentation on the progress made on development and co-production of JF-17 aircraft in Pakistan. The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction and pride on successful achievement of JF-17 Program mile-stones and reiterated to provide full support for the project. While addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister said, “The JF-17 programme is one of the major on going joint projects between Pakistan and our strategic partner China. This project can truly be termed as the flagship of our historic cooperation and its success would certainly strengthen out time tested friendship”. He further said, “The support provided by our Chinese friends in JF-17 co-production project and in several other mutual projects between China and Pakistan are greatly cherished by every Pakistani. I believe, the success of this project would write another glorious chapter in the long history of our cooperation. He further added, “Pakistan Air Force, with its initiatives like JF-17 programme is not only rendering valuable services for strengthening the national defence but is also affording a valuable opportunity to our youth. An opportunity involving a more constructive and positive approach to life that offers education, livelihood and training, leading to a better life and respect in the League of Nations”. JF-17 project is a national programme, which has successfully completed many milestones on the road to accomplishing various phases of conception, development and production. By virtue of this program, Pakistan now stands proudly amongst the group of select countries which are manufacturing modern combat aircraft. End.
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