Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday stressed that Pakistan and China should continue their close coordination in order to deepen ties and maintain peace and stability in the region.
During his meeting with State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, Imran underscored that friendship with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He highlighted that ‘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 Jammu and Kashmir following India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5. He stressed that the lockdown and communications blockade had created a dire humanitarian situation in Jammu and Kashmir that needed to be urgently addressed.
He underscored that the curfew and other restrictions needed to be immediately lifted.
The Chinese foreign minister while conveying the best wishes of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to the prime minister, said that the China-Pakistan relationship was rock solid.
He 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.
Imran hoped that as CPEC’s benefits expanded, more Chinese companies would invest in Pakistan and helped support the country’s process of industrialisation.
The Chinese foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to achieve the goals of national development, under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s leadership, and extended China’s support in this regard.
He noted that, with the policies of the government, Pakistan’s economic and financial condition was improving.
State Councillor Wang Yi emphasised that CPEC was a demonstration project of high quality 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.
