BEIJING, Oct 26 (Asia Free Press): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged China and Pakistan to construct a roadmap for a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
During his telephonic conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said that during the past 70 years since the establishment of China-Pakistan diplomatic ties, no matter how the international situation may change, the two sides have always stood side by side in weal and woe, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
China and Pakistan have worked together to tackle risks and challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, through which strategic mutual trust has been consolidated and strategic. He noted.
Chinese President hoped for the cooperation between two neighbors to be deepened further, “adding that history has fully proved that the two countries are each other’s most reliable iron-clad brother.”
Xi stressed that China supports Pakistan in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions and is willing to share China’s high-quality development opportunities with Pakistan.
The two sides should maintain close strategic communication, further synergize development strategies and enhance the sharing of experience on governance, Xi noted.
He said that China would continue to support Pakistan in its fight against COVID-19, jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with high quality and strengthen their cooperation in such fields as agriculture, digital economy, and people’s livelihood.
“We will continue to unleash the positive effects of the corridor in promoting growth and improving people’s well-being,” he said.
Xi noted that the two sides should strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation.
“China is ready to work with Pakistan to enhance multilateral coordination, practice genuine multilateralism and promote international equity and justice, to safeguard common interests and safeguard world peace and stability, “he said.
For his part, Imran Khan extended his congratulations to President Xi on the centenary of the Communist Party of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.
He also congratulated China on successfully holding activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of restoring the People’s Republic of China’s lawful seat in the United Nations.
Noting that he entirely agrees with Xi, the world faces many significant issues, which need closer communication and cooperation between Pakistan and China.
“Pakistan-China relations have gone through tests, and the two countries have shared weal and woe and supported each other, “Khan said.
China’s support for Pakistan in fighting COVID-19 has safeguarded the lives of the Pakistani people, setting an example of a big country selflessly helping a small one, he added.
“Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China policy, firmly supports China’s position on issues concerning its core interests, such as the issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and human rights, and firmly supports the Global Development Initiative proposed by Xi, “said the prime minister.
Pakistan stands ready to work with China to promote the construction of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and pragmatic cooperation in various fields, he said, adding that his country attaches great importance to and will continue to take concrete measures to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan.
The two sides also exchanged views on Afghanistan and other issues.
