China terms Modi’s visit to Pakistan a ‘welcome move’

Beijing will continue to support the two countries enhance mutual trust through dialogue, says foreign ministry

ISLAMABAD: China appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lahore and a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, terming it a welcome move.

“As the common neighbour and friend of Pakistan and India, China is happy to see [the two sides meet] and will, as always, support Pakistan and India enhance mutual trust and achieve common development through continuous dialogue,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang.



According to the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, Lu Kang said his country viewed improvement in Pakistan and India relationship significant for regional peace and stability in the region.

“The improvement of Pakistan-India relationship is significant to regional peace, stability and development.”



Elaborating, the spokesperson said Pakistan and India are important countries in South Asia and that is why a meeting between the premiers was a welcome development.

In the first such visit in more than 10 years by any Indian prime minister, the move was seen by analysts as a step towards normalising ties between the two neighbours, which have fought three wars since Partition.



The visit also paved way for composite dialogue, while scheduling a meeting of the foreign secretaries early next year.