China vows to strengthen ties with Pakistan 'in host of areas'

Chinese defence minister calls on PM Imran, discusses Kashmir dispute, Covid-19, CPEC among others

Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Defence General Wei Fenghe called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad and discussed bilateral relations and matters pertaining to Kashmir dispute, Covid-19 pandemic, CPEC and others.

General Wei is leading a high-level delegation to Islamabad on a three-day official visit which is aimed at further solidifying and expanding Pakistan-China ties, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Defence of China General Wei Fenghe called on Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI.

General Wei is leading a high-level delegation to Pakistan on a three-day official visit. pic.twitter.com/fS8w0j8D2x

— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) December 1, 2020

 

Welcoming the Chinese defence minister’s visit to Pakistan, PM Imran underscored the importance of regular high-level exchanges, even in the time of Covid-19.

The prime minister stressed that the two countries are bound by ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ based on mutual trust, understanding and commonality of views. He added that Pakistan firmly adhered to One-China policy and supported China on issues of its core national interest.

General Wei Fenghe conveyed warm greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to PM Imran and underscored the importance the Chinese leadership attached to Beijing’s relations with Islamabad.

The prime minister warmly reciprocated the greetings and recalled his past meetings with President Xi and Premier Li, the statement said.

The premier appreciated China’s development model that has lifted millions of people out of poverty, saying: "Pakistan wishes to emulate this example." He also lauded China’s consistent support to Pakistan in pursuit of its national development goals.

He also commended China’s success in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. He thanked the government and people of China for extending solidarity and material support to Pakistan to manage the pandemic.

The prime minister deeply appreciated China’s principled support on the Kashmir issue in the wake of India’s unilateral and illegal actions of August 5, 2019.

He underlined the serious threat posed by the RSS-BJP dispensation through belligerent actions, discriminatory measures against Indian minorities, and harshest steps to curb all the freedoms of innocent Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

"These and other steps highlighted India’s hegemonic designs and expansionist agenda, which was imperilling peace and stability in the region," the communique quoted the premier as saying.

He emphasised that Pakistan-China ties remain an anchor for peace and stability in the region and beyond, and that both countries may further deepen strategic communication and coordination to deal with the emerging challenges and threats.

He further said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a signature project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is transformational and stressed that the economic and social impact of CPEC on the region will be substantial and beneficial.

The Chinese minister said that Pakistan is China’s close friend, good neighbour and ‘iron brother’. Underscoring the depth and breadth of China-Pakistan ties, he conveyed the Chinese leadership’s firm commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties in a host of areas.

General Wei also said that the South Asia and Arabian Sea Region needed peace, stability and economic development and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in advancing those goals. He maintained that both countries needed to make collective efforts to protect and promote their common interests.