Chinese minister urges closer ties to achieve development goals

Liu Jianchao says China-Pakistan friendship's foundation is public support

ISLAMABAD:

China’s Minister of Central Committee of the International Department of Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao emphasised the need for cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani institutions and political parties to achieve development goals.

The senior Chinese minister conveyed these views during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.

Addressing the Pak-China Consultation Mechanism meeting, Liu expressed that the event marks a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

He stated that the development of China and Pakistan would bring mutual benefits and create new opportunities through bilateral agreements.

Liu stressed the foundation of the China-Pakistan friendship lies in public support and highlighted plans for media, student, and youth exchanges.

He mentioned that both nations' leaders had agreed on upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He also pointed out the necessity of improving security conditions to attract more investment to Pakistan.

Dar stresses political unity on CPEC

Dar welcomed the Chinese delegation, stating that their visit would boost mutual trust. He noted that all political parties in Pakistan support CPEC, recognising it as a cornerstone of cooperation between the two countries.

Dar praised the socio-economic benefits CPEC has brought to Pakistan and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its further development.

Earlier, a Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson announced that Deputy PM Dar met with Liu Jianchao. Both sides appreciated CPEC's contributions to Pakistan's development and pledged to continue its successful implementation.

Liu reiterated China's special regard for Pakistan in its foreign policy and expressed a desire to strengthen their strategic partnership. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of CPEC and agreed to enhance high-level engagements and communication on key regional and global issues.