Pak, China reiterate commitment to strengthen partnership based on strategic cooperation
The two sides discussed bilateral relations, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other matters.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan and China on Saturday agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and to maintain close communication on regional and global issues.
Addressing a joint news conference with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Islamabad on Saturday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pak-China friendship has political, institutional and popular support in both countries.
He maintained that Pakistan is eager to collaborate with China on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is fastest growing project of One Belt One Road initiative.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi told that his Chinese counterpart has extended an invitation for official visit to Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, to participate in international import-export expo as Chinese guest.
He asserted that both countries have made substantive progress on CPEC and reassured Wang Yi that CPEC has immense importance for Pakistan and it is priority of the government.
Qureshi told that priorities of Pakistan government were discussed in the meeting including eradication of poverty, job creation and rooting out corruption. He assured Wang Yi that the security of Chinese officials is their priority.
Chinese FM has emphasized that his country fully supports Pakistan’s efforts in fight against terrorism and acknowledges Pakistan’s sacrifices, added Qureshi.
He said Wang Yi also urged international community to appreciate Pakistan’s role in countering terrorism which is a global problem.
In his remarks on the occasion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described his meeting with Shah Mehmood Qureshi very positive. He said his country desires to further strengthen strategic partnership with Pakistan and will continue cooperation in every field.
Wang Yi said both countries agreed to advance peace in Afghanistan.
One-on-one meeting and delegation level talks
Earlier, one-on-one meeting and delegation level talks were held between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Foreign Office, Islamabad.
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During the talks, both the sides held an in-depth exchange of views on the entire gamut of bilateral relationship including economic cooperation, CPEC, defence cooperation and cultural and educational cooperation.
The Chinese State Councilor congratulated Qureshi on his appointment as the Foreign Minister and conveyed the message of goodwill from the Chinese leadership to the new Government of Pakistan.
While reaffirming the "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership" between the two countries, Wang Yi underlined that Pakistan will always be a priority for China in its Foreign Policy. The State Councilor reiterated that Pakistan was China’s "Iron brother" and the bilateral partnership served as an anchor for regional peace and stability. China will work with Pakistan to prioritize CPEC projects so as to benefit all regions of Pakistan.
He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan as Guest of Honour at the International Import Expo in China.
The Foreign Minister reciprocated the sentiments of the State Councilor and reaffirmed the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. He underlined that regardless of political changes, the bilateral relationship will remain as strong as ever.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of CPEC for the socio-economic development of Pakistan and stressed that it will always remain a national priority for Pakistan. The two sides expressed their convergence that social economic development will be an important area under CPEC cooperation between Pakistan and China.
During the meeting, the regional situation also came under discussion.
The Chinese FM is on a three-day Pakistan visit and is likely to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and president-elect Arif Alvi during his stay in Islamabad to have discussions on bilateral issues with focus on CPEC projects.
He is also scheduled to meet Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and various leaders of the opposition parties.
