Pakistan backs China’s core interests: Mamnoon

Expresses concern over India’s violation of Chinese territorial integrity in talks with Vice-Premier Wang Yang

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday assured China of Pakistan’s ‘firm support’ on issues concerning its ‘core interests’, including Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and South China Sea.

The president was talking to Vice-Premier of the State Council of China Wang Yang at Aiwan-e-Sadr which was also attended by delegations from both the sides.

Expressing concern over recent violation of territorial integrity of China by India, the president said: The patience demonstrated by China is commendable.”

“Pakistan will continue to work for elimination of terrorism with the cooperation of China,” he said while praising China’s role for peace in Afghanistan.



“We expect that these efforts will bear positive results and the issue will soon be resolved.”

The president also underscored that “Pakistan desires to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue, including the issue of Jammu & Kashmir”.

He said he was looking forward to an early visit by the prime minister of China to Pakistan.

The president and the Chinese vice-premier agreed that cooperation between Pakistan and China will continue for peace, progress and stability in the region. “Both countries will continue to work together for development and prosperity of humanity.”

The two leaders also emphasised on early completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Extending gratitude to the visiting dignitary for the participation of a high-level delegation from China to mark 70th Independence Day celebrations of Pakistan, the president said: “This reflects that both countries enjoy cordial relations.”

He stated both countries stand by each other “in hours of happiness and sorrow which is an example for the world”.

Speaking on the occasion, Yang said: “Pakistan-China friendship is above political considerations and interests.”

He said Pakistan had done well in the fight against terrorism according to its circumstances due to which the situation of Pakistan was much better than other countries of the region.

“China will continue to extend cooperation to Pakistan in this regard,” the Chinese vice-premier said.



While commending the speech of the president during the flag-hoisting ceremony, Yang said: “It will promote national unity and expedite the pace of national progress.”

The visiting dignitary added that increase in economic cooperation between the two countries was encouraging and hoped that the volume of bilateral trade would continue to enhance steadily.

Noting the existing imbalance in trade between the two countries, he said: “Pakistan’s exports to China will be enhanced.”

Terming cooperation of Pakistan to China on various international and regional matters a ‘valuable asset’, he said: “Pakistan-China friendship is an example for the world.”