ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (NNI): Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their determination to deepen strategic cooperation in key areas including economy, investment and regional connectivity.
This came at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The two sides emphasized the need for speeding up the implementation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
In his remarks, President Asif Zardari said friendship with China was an important part of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said there was more scope to expand Pakistan-China relations. The President stressed the need for increasing connectivity through all-weather roads to strengthen commercial and public connectivity.
He said Chinese companies should invest in Pakistan Stock Exchange. He said time has come to take full advantage of China’s economic growth with the help of CPEC and Gwadar Port.
The President said he will visit China in November and that he is looking forward to the talks to reconnect with old friends and strengthen ties.
Asif Zardari recognized that Pakistan has always had the unwavering support from China on important issues of mutual importance.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences on the death of two Chinese nationals in a terror attack, Asif Zardari said enemies of Pakistan-China friendship are trying to spoil bilateral relations by targeting Chinese nationals.
The President said the enemy will not succeed in nefarious designs and expressed Pakistan’s determination to give exemplary punishment to the criminals. He said all necessary steps will be taken to further enhance security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
Asif Zardari thanked China for supporting Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Chinese Premier said his country will continue to support Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and prosperity. He said Pakistan and China are good brothers, neighbours, partners and friends. He said this strategic cooperation will continue to deepen under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. He also acknowledged President Asif Ali Zardari’s services in promoting Pakistan-China relations.
The Chinese Premier noted that the two countries have continued to support each other regardless of global challenges, and that they will continue to cooperate to take their partnership to new heights.
Li Qiang emphasized the need for accelerating the progress of development projects under the CPEC. He said China will continue to support Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.
The Chinese Premier appreciated Pakistan for its One China policy and its strong support for China on all core issues including Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and South China Sea.
President Zardari also hosted a luncheon in honor of visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir, federal ministers and members of Chinese delegation were also present on the occasion.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also attended the luncheon.
On this occasion Pakistan Muslim League (N) leaders Ahsan Iqbal and Rana Sanaullah approached her and apprised her about the issues of their constituencies. They also briefed her about the current situation of the country.
Both leaders assured the chief minister that they are using all available resources for development of Punjab province and our country will definitely progress. NNI
