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– Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Holds Delegation Level Discussions to Discuss Issues of Mutual Interest with the New Government
-The visit follows the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Qureshi says ten areas of cooperation identified after Saturday's talks
-FM says Prime Minister Imran invited as chief guest for expo in China
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China reiterated Saturday their determination to advance the traditional strategic cooperation partnership between the two countries in the area of friendship and weather while strengthening cooperation in the economic, trade and economic sectors. defense.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Foreign Ministry of the capital.
Wang Yi is making a three-day official visit to Pakistan to hold talks at the delegation level, FO spokesman Muhammad Faisal said.
"Chinese State Councilor Yi emphasized Beijing's strong support for Pakistan's socio-economic progress and development," said the spokesman.
"The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges and the regional situation were discussed at the meeting," he added.
At a joint press conference after the talks, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that as "iron brothers", the two countries were relying on different international forums and shared common principles. on different international and regional issues.
He said strengthening the strategic partnership with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.
"In today's bilateral talks, we have identified ten areas of cooperation to achieve the goals of close relationships, and spurred some 20 ongoing projects under the umbrella of the CPEC, which is expected to create 70,000 jobs. ".
The Foreign Minister also said he was also discussing urgent issues and the need to maintain close communication on global issues.
The two sides have always supported each other on various international issues, said Qureshi, adding that the security of Chinese working on various CPEC projects would be assured and that a secure environment would be provided by the security forces.
To a question, Mr. Qureshi said that with the passage of time, the CPEC would take shape in accordance with the expectations of the Pakistani people, leading to the social and economic uprising of the Pakistani people.
He added that they also agreed on the importance of relocating industry, vocational training to make our people more productive, strengthening the agricultural base and opportunities for farmers .
The export of agricultural products from Pakistan to China and the implementation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were also examined. The minister said that the commercial opportunities of Pakistani exports to China with the grant of subsidies could eliminate the trade imbalance.
In addition, the minister said: "China has recognized the immense contributions and sacrifices made and has fully supported Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism. China also urged the international community also to recognize Pakistan's contribution to the war on terror, which is a global problem. "
Qureshi said China had invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit China for an official visit in November as a guest of honor at an international exhibition on imports.
The minister also expressed Pakistan's continued support for China and expressed gratitude for China's active support to Pakistan to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Qureshi said he also shared with his Chinese counterpart the result of his talks with US Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo.
The Minister stressed the importance of defense cooperation with China, especially in view of the urgent needs of Pakistan in the evolving regional context and cooperation to fight against terrorism and collectively eliminate terrorist threats in the region.
On this occasion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated his government's commitment to work closely with Pakistan's new government to achieve the common goals of prosperity and development of the Pakistani people.
He expressed the hope that the Pakistani people would overcome their problems under the newly elected leadership.
In describing Pakistan as "a good friend and partner," the minister said China and Pakistan are closely linked to the strategic partnership of mutual aid and mutual understanding.
Referring to the proverbial term "iron brother," Wang Yi said the two countries' friendship was always trying and that the international changes were strong and unbreakable, deeply rooted in the hearts of people in two countries.
On his visit to Islamabad, he said that China would continue to support Pakistan and give the highest priority to its relations with Pakistan. At the delegation level talks, he said, they discussed ten points and agreed to strengthen existing cooperation.
He said the issues of close strategic partnership, implementation of CPEC projects, Pakistan's rapid export, improvement of local manufacturing plants and rapid integration to international manufacturing, poverty alleviation and job creation were discussed.
He added that China wants to strengthen this cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, education and health for the benefit of the Pakistani people, in addition to emphasizing cooperation and cooperation. strengthened interaction in defense and security.
Minister Wang Yi also acknowledged Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and fully supported his efforts to eliminate terrorism.
He also stressed the need to strengthen personal contacts and exchanges of youth delegations. He announced that they would take steps to further facilitate the visit of Pakistani citizens to China.
With regard to international cooperation, he stressed the importance of reconciliation and the peace process in Afghanistan.
He said that Pakistan is still with China in difficult times and that Chinese leaders want to do the same with the rapid implementation of the CPEC.
He said China has financially assisted CPEC projects with concessional loans. The project was expected to create about 70,000 jobs and its benefits would not be limited to a specific group or area, but would benefit the entire country and lead to the overall development of the Pakistani population.
The Chinese Minister also stressed the importance of the availability of energy and electricity for the management of the industry in Pakistan and said that efforts were under way to overcome the problem through early harvest projects in this regard.
It has been reported that Wang Yi's visit, which occupies the most important position in the Chinese hierarchy, will boost the deep-rooted friendship of the two countries.
While commenting on the visit, officials said it gave a clear message to the world that the linkage in their bilateral relations was strong.
The Chinese State Counselor is also expected to meet with the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Army (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Wang Yi's visit follows US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit. He is the first Chinese official to meet the new government, invited by the Pakistani foreign minister.
Earlier in his victory speech, Prime Minister Imran Khan said his government would explore investment opportunities under the aegis of the CPEC, which is considered an essential element of the Belt and Road Initiative in China. fight against poverty and fight against corruption.
It has been reported that the new government is ready to take CPEC to the next level with the creation of nine special economic zones. Minister of Planning, Development and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar instructed the authorities to speed up the process to ensure the rapid implementation of this sector of the CPEC.
"The two sides have maintained frequent and high-level exchanges and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has proceeded smoothly," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said Thursday.
Both countries are "good neighbors, good friends and good brothers," she added.
