ISLAMABAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir here on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the Pakistani army serves as the foundation of national stability and a staunch defender of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation.

Wang pointed out that the Pakistani military has always supported both sides in earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepening strategic mutual trust at a higher level, and jointly building the "version 2.0" upgrade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with high quality, contributing to accelerating the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

Facing the rapid global changes unseen in a century and growing instability and uncertainties, Wang said promoting a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability.

China has always prioritized Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy, and the relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of time and become even stronger, Wang said, adding that the two countries, both belonging to the Eastern civilization, attach great importance to friendship and righteousness, and have forged an unbreakable traditional friendship.

China will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its territorial integrity and national security, and welcomes Pakistan to play a greater role in international affairs, Wang said.

Munir said China is Pakistan's iron-clad friend, with both sides having always shared weal and woe, and their strategic partnership is as solid as a rock.

Developing friendly relations with China is a consensus across Pakistani society, Munir noted, expressing sincere gratitude for China's valuable support in the economic and social development of Pakistan over the long term.

The Pakistani military is willing to actively promote counter-terrorism and security cooperation between the two countries, and will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, contributing to the consolidation and development of the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China, he said.