BEIJING, Nov 6 (APP): Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force here Friday called on Chinese President Hu Jintao and exchanged matters of common interest.The Chief of the Air Staff on the request of the host led the 35-member delegation of air force chiefs participating in the 60th anniversary of PAL (Air force) celebrations and spoke on their behalf.“I congratulate the leadership, the people of China as well as PLAAF on the 60th anniversary of the People Republic of China”, CAS Rao Suleman told APP after the meeting held at the Great Hall of the People.

Air Chief Marshal Rao said that PLAAF is developing into a modern force.

They are equipped with cutting edge technology and well trained personnel, he said.

Their development is not designed to pose any threat to any one, as the Chinese government and the PLAAF are committed to ensure peace and harmonious relations with others, he said.

“The vision of Chinese leadership is to maintain peace in the region as well as around the world”, said Air Chief Rao Qamar.

He pointed out that President Hu Jintao reiterated the commitment of the Chinese government that to continue to work for ensuring peaceful development in the world.

Rao Qamar Suleman later called on Command-in-Chief of PALAF General Xu Qi Liang.

Congratulating the General on the 60th anniversary of founding of PLAAF, Rao Qamar said that holding of the Forum to mark the 60th anniversary of PLAAF on “Peace and Development” on this occasion is very timely.

He said that he will speak at the Forum to highlight the importance and challenges of airpower in the 21st century.

He further said that it will also provide him an opportunity to share his vision with other delegations attending the Forum.

Air force in the 21st Century is confronted with various challenges, these included fight against terrorism and action to eliminate activities of non-state elements, besides carrying out relief operations during natural disasters.

This is the time that we all should sit together and formulate strategies to face these challenges, he said.

The Air Chief appreciated the vision of Chinese leadership that is to ensure peace and development in the region and the world as a whole.

“We are proud of our friendship between the government and PLAAF”, the Air Chief observed.

The Air Chief said Pakistan shares happiness and joys with our most trusted Chinese friends on the occasion of 60th anniversary of its founding.

Earlier, warmly welcoming the distinguished guest from Pakistan, General Xu said that China wants to see a peaceful and harmonious world.

He on the occasion recalled the happy memories of his previous visit to Pakistan and meeting with his counterpart there.

Later Commander Swedish Air force called on the Air Chief and exchange views on collaboration among the air forces of the two countries.