Chinese envoy meets PM Imran, pledges 'utmost help' to tackle Covid-19 surge

Ambassador Rong assures expeditious provision of vaccines to deal with the pandemic's third wave

SINDH/ KARACHI:

Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and pledged Beijing's utmost to help Pakistan deal with the latest Covid-19 surge.

"During the meeting, views were exchanged on China’s experience of poverty alleviation, Covid-19 situation, and bilateral relations," said an official statement.

PM Imran, the communique added, congratulated the Chinese leadership on achieving the momentous goal of eradicating extreme poverty and underlined that Pakistan was keen to learn from the experience.

He highlighted that Pakistan was currently facing the third wave of Covid-19 and the government was taking necessary measures to combat it, devising an elaborate plan of vaccination across the country.

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The premier underscored the transformational significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and reaffirmed the country's commitment to expeditiously complete the ongoing projects.

He added that the people of Pakistan looked forward to welcoming President Xi Jinping to Pakistan at the earliest convenience, the statement said.

Ambassador Nong Rong conveyed cordial greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-China ties.

The envoy added that China will do its utmost to help Pakistan deal with the Covid-19 surge, including the expeditious provision of vaccines. He also reiterated the invitation to the premier to visit China.