ISLAMABAD: China will continue to safeguard Pakistan’s interests and ensure economic development of the South Asian country, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Paris on Friday.
PM Sharif and China’s Li met in Paris on the sidelines of the summit on the new global financial agreement. This was the first meeting of Premier Li met with his Pakistani counterpart since the former assumed office in March this year.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed in detail all aspects of bilateral relations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral economic cooperation, PM Sharif’s office said in a statement.
“Prime Minister Li Qiang said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is unique and is based on the deep brotherly feelings between the people of both countries, which is unaffected by the changes of time and circumstances,” the statement read.
“He said that the close neighbor and iron brother, Pakistan, has a special status in China’s diplomacy related to neighbors. The Chinese prime minister said that China will continue its efforts for the protection of Pakistan’s key interests, economic development and the well-being of the people of Pakistan.”
While reiterating support for China on key issues, PM Sharif thanked Beijing for its strong and continuous support for Pakistan’s geographical integrity, sovereignty and socio-economic development. He said China’s opposition to the G20 meeting in the Indian-administered Kashmir was a manifestation of its principled position on the supremacy of international law and resolutions.
India, which holds the chair of G20 this year, organized a G20 tourism meeting in Indian-administered Kashmir in May, in the run-up to the summit in New Delhi in September.
PM Sharif and China’s Li further expressed satisfaction over the steady progress of CPEC projects in Pakistan and agreed that the corridor is vital to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
“Firm determination to continue working together for achieving common interests of both countries was expressed,” Sharif’s office said.
“The two leaders agreed to celebrate 10 years of success of CPEC in a grand manner this year.”
