All-Weather Strategic Partnership between China-Pak Deep-Rooted in Mutual Trust and Respect, Says PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: China on Sunday reaffirmed its support for Pakistan and reiterated its commitment to stand with the country through thick and thin.

A Chinese delegation comprising Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing and senior officials called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM Office.

The Chinese foreign minister, while conveying the best wishes of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, said that the Pakistan-China relationship was rock-solid and unbreakable.

He highlighted that Pakistan-China relationship was based on mutual respect, trust and strong bonds of friendship.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to achieve goals of national development, under PM Imran’s leadership, and extended China’s utmost support in this regard. He noted that, with the policies of the government, Pakistan’s economic and financial condition was improving.

PM Imran stressed that Pakistan and China should continue their close coordination and consultation in order to deepen strategic co-operation and maintain peace and stability in the region.

The prime minister underscored that friendship with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He highlighted that the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries was deeply rooted in mutual trust and respect and was an anchor of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The prime minister briefed the Chinese side on the evolving situation in Indian Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IOK) following India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5.

He stressed that the ongoing curfew for 35 days, the continued lockdown and communications blockade, and the massive human rights violations had created a dire humanitarian situation in IOK which needed to be urgently addressed. He underscored that the curfew and other restrictions needed to be immediately lifted.

The Chinese FM reaffirmed China’s support and reiterated opposition to any unilateral action as well as the measures, by India, that could further complicate the situation.

Prime Minister Imran highlighted that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a project of great national significance that contributed immensely to the revitalisation of Pakistan’s economy.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of CPEC projects and highlighted the importance of CPEC authority for speedy execution of CPEC projects.

He hoped that, as CPEC’s benefits expanded, more Chinese companies would invest in Pakistan and helped support Pakistan’s process of industrialisation as well its policies of greater agricultural productivity and innovation.

The Chinese FM emphasised that CPEC was a demonstration project of high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and was being implemented jointly by Pakistan and China.

Both the leaders agreed that more high-level exchanges should continue to take place between the two countries to further promote bilateral ties as well as the shared goals of economic development, peace, and security across the region.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and senior officials were also present during the meeting.

Earlier on August 13, China had again expressed concerned over the current situation in the occupied Kashmir and escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

The concern was expressed by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Beijing.

Wang Yi had said that the current situation in Kashmir escalated tension between India and Pakistan, saying his country opposes any unilateral action that could complicate the situation.

He had said that New Delhi’s move to end the constitutional status of Jammu Kashmir will change the status quo of the disputed area and will result in a tense situation in the region.

Wang Yi hoped that India and Pakistan would resolve disputes in a peaceful manner and jointly safeguard the overall situation of regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation had also met president Arif Alvi to discuss bilateral and regional issues.