China wants to tighten ties with Pakistan – Xinhua

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on an official visit to China, to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China's capital, on November 3, 2018. (Xinhua) / Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) – Prime Minister Li Keqiang pledged Saturday to strengthen the all-time strategic cooperation partnership between China and Pakistan and build a closer community with a future shared between the two country.

Li made the remarks in Beijing during his talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on an official visit to China and will attend the first international exhibition on China's international import in Shanghai.

China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Li said, adding that the traditional friendship between the two countries is deeply rooted.

He stressed that China and Pakistan, as strategic cooperation partners, enjoy a high level of mutual political trust and close cooperation in various fields, strongly supporting themselves on issues concerning their fundamental interests.

"China still sees Pakistan as a diplomatic priority," Li said.

During Khan's visit to China, the two sides will issue a joint statement to send an important message to the world that China and Pakistan are committed to promoting better and faster development of bilateral relations, M said. Li.

On the Sino-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Li said the CPEC projects have been carefully scrutinized, consistent with commercial principles and economically feasible.

"China is ready to continue working with Pakistan to accelerate the construction of the CPEC in accordance with the principle of openness and transparency, in the interest of both peoples," he said.

China appreciates Pakistan's commitment to protect the CPEC's construction as well as the personal security of Chinese institutions, and hopes that Pakistan will continue its efforts, Li said.

Mr. Li also promised to expand the imports of quality products from Pakistan and market access for these products, as well as strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of finance, finance and trade. agriculture and fishing.

"We hope to see a stable and developing Pakistan, we are ready to provide assistance to Pakistan to the best of our ability and to work together to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the region," Li said. .

For his part, Mr. Khan said that, alongside the deepening of the strategic cooperative partnership in all weathers, relations between the two countries at all levels were strengthening.

He said the CPEC has become a reality and is fully implemented. Pakistan views the CPEC as a tremendous development opportunity, which benefits the people of Pakistan and promotes the country's economic and social progress.

Pakistan will continue to promote the construction of CPEC and protect the security of CPEC projects and Chinese personnel, said Khan.

Khan thanked China for its strong support as Pakistan went through a difficult period, adding that Pakistan would still be a trusted friend of China.

Hailing the remarkable achievements of China over the last 40 years, Imran Khan said that Pakistan is also striving to advance the process of domestic reforms.

"We are ready to take advantage of China's development experience, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and strengthen high-level visits and exchanges at all levels to bring bilaterals at a higher level, "said Mr Khan.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of more than 10 documents on cooperation in areas such as scientific research, justice, poverty alleviation, health and customs.

Before the talks, Li organized a ceremony on the red carpet to welcome Khan.

Li Zhanshu, China's top legislator, also met with Khan on Saturday.