BEIJING, Jan. 7 -- China voiced support for strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation between Pakistan and India on Thursday, after the two countries' prime ministers agreed to take actions against militants behind the attack on India's Pathankot airbase last weekend.

During a phone conversation on Tuesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif promised "prompt and decisive action" against possible Pakistan-based perpetrators of the attack on Pathankot airbase last weekend in India's northern state of Punjab, close to the border with Pakistan, according to a statement from the Indian prime minister's office.

A statement from the Pakistani prime minister's office also said that "both the PMs agreed that a cordial and cooperative relationship between the two countries would be the most appropriate response to the nefarious designs of the terrorists."

"China welcomes all measures conducive to improving the Pakistan-India relationship and supports Pakistan and India in beefing up anti-terrorism cooperation," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Seven Indian security forces personnel were killed in the attack, carried out by unidentified militants and probably intended to undermine improving ties between India and Pakistan.

"We sincerely hope the two countries, as China's neighbors and friends, can settle the relevant issues calmly through dialogue and cooperation, and sustain the momentum of improving ties for regional peace and stability," Hua said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Pakistan last month, the first in almost 12 years, signaling warming ties between the two neighboring countries.