Prime Minister Imran Khan met with President Xi Jinping here on Sunday and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching commitment to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as he highlighted the CPEC’s next phase and its extension into new areas of agriculture, industrial development and socio-economic uplift through livelihood projects.
The two leaders were accompanied by ministers and senior-level delegations during the meeting held at the Great Hall of the People.
Reaffirming all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations in a warm and cordial atmosphere. They affirmed the resolve to further strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership in all fields, including politics, security, economy and trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked President Xi for the warm and gracious welcome accorded to him in China and for Beijing’s steadfast support to Islamabad on all issues. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to China on all issues of its core interest.
Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated President Xi on the successful convening of the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF), which he said is a practical manifestation of his far-reaching vision, and highlighted its significance as an important international platform for connectivity and sharing of experience among the BRI participating countries.
President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s unwavering support to Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated the government’s agenda for socio-economic development and people-centered progress. He affirmed that China-Pakistan ties will continue to acquire greater strength and deepen practical cooperation in the times to come.
The two sides also exchanged views on the regional situation, including in Afghanistan and South Asia.
President Xi further expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained and successful efforts in the fight against terrorism and to create a peaceful neighbourhood.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the close cooperation between the two countries at multilateral forums and resolved to further deepen communication and coordination at all levels. They also agreed to keep the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the conclusion of the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) here on Sunday.
The two prime ministers were accompanied by ministers and senior officials.
Both leaders reaffirmed the time-tested and strong friendship between Pakistan and China and exchanged views on the myriad facets of bilateral engagement.
Prime Minister Imran Khan extended felicitations to the Chinese leadership for successful holding of the forum. Noting the depth and breadth of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the prime minister said it is of immense significance for the world in terms of connectivity and shared prosperity.
The two sides exchanged views on bilateral collaboration in the context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and prospects of further deepening of the economic linkages.
The prime minister underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s economy and noted with satisfaction its expansion into new areas of development, including industrial development, livelihood projects, social uplift and agriculture in line with the priorities of government.
He hoped that Chinese investment in special economic zones (SEZs) will expand Pakistan’s industrial base and assist in diversifying its export basket.
Underlining the steady growth of bilateral cooperation since the prime minister’s last visit to China in November 2018, Premier Li Keqiang expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum of CPEC projects. He hoped that the signing of the second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will give further boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to further deepen the political, security, economic, education, science and technology, cultural, and people-to-people relations. It was agreed to maintain the existing momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues including peace efforts in Afghanistan and peace and stability in South Asia and also agreed to closely coordinate in their endeavours for stability in the region.
