Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): Pakistan and China have reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and maintain close communication on regional and global issues.
Addressing a joint news conference along with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Islamabad on Saturday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pak-China friendship has political, institutional and popular support in both countries.
He said Pakistan is eager to collaborate with China on CPEC which is fastest growing project of One Belt One Road initiative.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said 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 said we made substantive progress on CPEC and reassured the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister that CPEC has immense importance for Pakistan and it is priority of the government.
The FM said priorities of our government were discussed in the meeting including eradication of poverty job creation and rooting out corruption. He said I assured that security of Chinese Officials is our priority.
Qureshi said his Chinese counterpart emphasized that his country fully supports Pakistan's efforts in fight against terrorism and acknowledges Pakistan's sacrifices.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi added that Chinese Foreign Minister 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 China desires to further strengthen strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Wang Yi said his country will continue cooperation with Pakistan in every field. He said both countries agreed to advance peace in Afghanistan.
Earlier, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held one-on-one meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office.
According to Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal, delegation-level talks between the two delegations led by the two foreign ministers were also held.
"Chinese State Councillor Yi underscored Beijing’s firm support to Pakistan’s socioeconomic progress and development," the FO spokesperson said.
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Yi also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan to be the guest of honour at the International Import Expo in China.
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"China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges and regional situation were discussed during the meeting," Dr Faisal further said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Pakistan on a three-day official visit on Friday.
The visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister would be the first high-level exchange between China and Pakistan after the formation of new government in Pakistan.
