Pak-China agree to deepen economic, security ties

Saturday, 14 February 2015 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit
Terms Pak-China economic corridor as a flagship strategic cooperation project.

Pakistan and China have agreed to deepen economic and security cooperation for further consolidation of all weather friendship between the two countries. The understanding came at delegation level talks between the two sides in Islamabad today. Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi represented their countries in the talks which focussed on cooperation in diverse fields including political, strategic and economic. The two countries agreed to step up their counter terrorism cooperation in order to ensure safety of their peoples. The Chinese foreign minister informed the Pakistani side that the Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Islamabad at an early date this year. He expressed the confidence that the visit will be historic and further enhance relations between the two countries which share common destiny. The Chinese foreign minister also appreciated Pakistan’s resolute steps against terrorism. The two sides discussed the regional situation and the need for strategic balance in South Asia. The two sides also agreed to early operationalisation of energy and infrastructure projects under Pakistan China Economic Corridor project. Later addressing a joint news conference, the Chinese Foreign Minister termed Pakistan-China economic corridor project as a flagship strategic cooperation project. He said progress on this important project will be seen soon this year. We are doing our best that the peoples of two countries see the tangible benefits of this project. He said the corridor project is targeted at the whole of Pakistan and its social and economic benefits will reach all parts of the country. He said the two sides have agreed to enhance people to people contacts and cultural exchanges. He said these friendly exchanges will inject new energy in our relations. He said both the countries are the true friends who have always stood by each other in difficult times and will continue to do so in future. Sartaj Aziz in his remarks, said Pakistan’s relations with China are the cornerstone of our foreign policy. He said both the countries are convinced of the dividends of economic cooperation. Both sides are fully committed to add greater depth to the all-weather, friendly and cooperation relations. Welcoming the news of early visit of Chinese President to Pakistan, the advisor said the visiting dignitary will be accorded warm welcome. In this regard, we exchanged broad ideas to commence the substantive preparations for the visit. Sartaj Aziz also informed the Chinese foreign minister that Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all neighbours including India. He said we also have agreed to work together for promotion of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. Responding to a question, the Chinese Foreign Minister said Pakistan is an important neighbour of Afghanistan and both the countries share historical, cultural and religious affinities. He said Pakistan has a pivotal role in resolving the Afghan issue and appreciated Pakistan’s seriousness in resolution of Afghan issue. He said China will support Afghan government in its efforts for reconciliation with different groups for peace and stability in the region.