China Eyes Closer Ties With Pakistan
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday pledged to strengthen its all-weather strategic co-operative partnership with Pakistan and build a closer community with a shared future between the two countries. Mr Li made the remarks in Beijing when holding talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is paying an official visit to China and will attend the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
China and Pakistan are good neighbours, good friends and good partners, Mr Li said, adding that the traditional friendship between the two countries is deep-rooted. He stressed that China and Pakistan, as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, have a high level of political mutual trust and close co-operation in various fields, firmly supporting each other on matters that concern their core interests.
“China always regards Pakistan as a diplomatic priority,” Mr Li said.
During Mr Khan’s visit to China, the two sides will issue a joint statement to send an important signal to the world that China and Pakistan are committed to promoting a better and faster development of bilateral ties, according to Mr Li.
On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Mr Li said that CPEC projects have been meticulously examined, conform to commercial principles and are economically feasible.
“China is willing to continue working with Pakistan to accelerate the construction of the CPEC in accordance with the principle of openness and transparency, in order to benefit both peoples,” he said.
China appreciates Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding CPEC construction as well as the personal safety of Chinese institutions, and hopes that Pakistan will continue to make greater efforts, Mr Li said.
Mr Li also promised to expand the imports of and market access for quality products from Pakistan, and strengthen bilateral co-operation in fields including finance, agriculture and fisheries.