Islamabad, May 15, SPA -- Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Afzal Tahir has left for a week-long official visit to China, says an official statement. The visit is part of high-level exchanges between the two countries to further strengthen their bilateral ties in the defense sector. Admiral Tahir is paying his first visit to China as Chief of the Naval Staff. He is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterparts to discuss matters of bilateral interests. The navies of the two countries have enhanced their bilateral collaboration in the recent years to benefit from each other experience, strengthening their defense potential, the statement said. Besides holding joint naval exercises in the non-traditional security fields, the two sides are also engaged in upgrading their maritime network. Pakistan has recently concluded a contract with China for co-production of four F-22P frigates. The contract includes upgrading of Karachi Shipyard and providing training and technical assistance to Pakistan during construction of fourth F-22P frigate. Under the contract, China will transfer technology to Pakistan for manufacturing of F-22P Frigates. This project, while contributing significantly to maritime defense of Pakistan, will add a new dimension to China-Pakistan collaboration in the defense sector. Sino-Pakistani friendship has maintained continuous growth in all sectors of common interest, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, despite the fast-changing international situation. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/361165