PM Imran, President Xi vow to protect CPEC

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday concluded his visit to China by meeting its president, Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, where he welcomed increased Chinese investment in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) Phase-II, which centered on industrialisation and improving people’s livelihoods.

This was the “first meeting” between the two leaders since the premier’s visit to the country in October 2019.
The premier underscored the relationship between the two countries as the “cornerstone” of Islamabad’s foreign policy.

The two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

PM Imran congratulated the leadership and people of China on the successful hosting of the 24th Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. He also extended his best wishes on the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The premier underscored that China was Pakistan’s steadfast partner, a staunch supporter and iron brother.

He emphasised that the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China had withstood the tests of times and the two nations firmly stood side-by-side in realising their visions and shared aspirations of peace, stability, development and prosperity.

PM Imran briefed President Xi on the people-centered geoeconomics vision and the government’s policies for Pakistan’s sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernisation and regional connectivity.

He also lauded China’s continued support and assistance to Pakistan’s socio-economic development in the form of the high-quality development of CPEC.

During the meeting, the PM also shared his views with the Chinese president on the growing polarisation in the world, which threatened the unraveling of global developmental gains and posed serious risks to the developing countries.

He highlighted that insurmountable challenges like climate change, health pandemics and growing inequalities could only be tackled through unqualified cooperation of all nations in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

In this regard, PM Imran lauded President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road and Global Development Initiatives, which called for collective action for sustainable development and win-win outcomes.

The prime minister highlighted that atrocities being perpetrated in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the persecution of minorities in India in advancing the Hindutva mindset of RSS-BJP, was a threat to regional peace and stability.

He added that rapid militarisation of India was undermining regional stability.

Read: Pak-China vow mutual support on ‘core issues’

M Imran underlined that the partnership between Pakistan and China was an anchor for peace and stability in the region, and thanked the latter for its unwavering support to the former’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national development.

The premier also reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support to China on all issues of its core interest.

Both leaders acknowledged that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan will promote economic development and connectivity in the region. They called on the international community to promptly assist the Afghan people in averting a humanitarian catastrophe.

Both leaders appreciated the signing of a number of agreements covering industrial cooperation, space cooperation and vaccine cooperation.

The two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to build the Pakistan-China community for a shared future in the new era.

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PM Imran renewed his invitation to President Xi to undertake a visit to Pakistan.

According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, Pakistan expressed its commitment to “One-China Policy”.

It also expressed its support for China on the issues surrounding Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.

“The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and security, as well as promoting its socio-economic development and prosperity,” the statement added.

“The leaders of the two countries held in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as the regional situation and international political landscape.”

The two sides highlighted the significance of Gwadar as a central pillar of CPEC and important node in regional connectivity.

The two sides agreed to jointly accelerate the construction and operation of Gwadar Port and build its low-carbon circular industry zone.

During the interaction, Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to the security of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that PM Imran had left for the airport after meeting with the Chinese president.