Pak-China multifaceted strategic cooperation to further strengthen — PM

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. (REUTERS)

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, expressing satisfaction over the thriving relationship between Pakistan and China in all fields on Thursday, hoped that multifaceted strategic cooperation including the security and defense ties of the time-tested friends would further strengthen for the shared objective of peace and development in the region.
The prime minister expressed these views as he received Vice Chairman Central Military Commission of China General Zhang Youxia and his delegation here at the prime minister’s office.
Minister for Defense and Foreign Affairs Khurrum Dastgir and other senior officers were also present during the meeting.
Welcoming the vice chairman Central Military Commission to Pakistan, as his first foreign destination, the prime minister expressed the hope that his visit would further strengthen the existing strategic relations and multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and China.
He also conveyed his greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and extended invitation to the Chinese leadership to visit Pakistan.
The prime minister said that Pakistan welcomed President Xi’s remarks of terming Pakistan a pillar of regional peace and stability, and observed that President Xi’s leadership and his vision was a source of inspiration.
President Xi’s Belt and Road initiative of development and connectivity would change the destiny of the region, he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated firm commitment of the government of Pakistan for early implementation of all China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects which he said would serve as a game changer for the region and would help realize the trade and economic potential existing between the two countries.
Regional situation and Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region also came under discussion.
General Zhang Youxia appreciated the huge sacrifices that Pakistan had made in the war against terrorism and for the peace in the region.
He observed that the immense sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan and its armed forces deserve to be fully recognized by the international community.
Expressing satisfaction over the existing level of defense cooperation and military relations of the two countries, General Zhang Youxia expressed the hope that various international fora including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization would help further cementing these ties and security cooperation between the two countries.