BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reiterated his country’s complete support to fight terrorism as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Beijing’s unflinching support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socioeconomic development.
The day also saw Shehbaz meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two leaders expressed the desire to promote and expand the existing ties between the two nations.
As Shehbaz and Xi held a meeting at the Great Hall of People, a readout from Chinese state news agency Xinhua read while quoting the host as saying, “China supports Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.”
Xi also hoped that Islamabad would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, creating a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.
Xi said China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength.
“China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0,” he added.
Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad that China was willing to cooperate with Pakistan in industry, agriculture and mining, as the two sides also discussed ways and means to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
In this regard, Shehbaz, according to APP, reaffirmed the desire to continue working closely with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of the upgraded CPEC with its five new corridors. said.
REGIONAL PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
At the same time, Xinhua says Xi noted, “As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the meeting, which took place after the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Tianjin.
