BEJING - Pakistan and China on Monday resolved to further enhance and deepen bilateral cooperation with the pledge to play a key role for regional stability through Shanghai Coordination Cooperation (SCO).

Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said this while talking to media along with Chinese Foreign Minister and Sate Councillor Wang Yi after their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) moot held here at Diaoyutai State Guest House.

The foreign minister said that during the meeting, held in a very cordial atmosphere, his Chinese counterpart termed Pakistan and China as close friends, all-weather strategic and cooperative partners.

Ahead of a meeting this week between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wang Yi reassured Khwaja Asif that relations between Beijing and Islamabad were as firm as ever and would “never rust”.

The traditional close ties of China and Pakistan have long been viewed with suspicion by their neighbour and traditional enemy, India. But Modi has tried to reset relations with Beijing after years of disagreements over everything from their border to exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, and will hold an informal summit with Xi on Friday and Saturday in China.

Wang Yi said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and friendship between the two countries has received support from the two peoples’ hearts, with solid public opinion foundation.

“No matter how the international and regional situation changes, the mutual trust between China and Pakistan remains unbreakable. No matter how domestic situations of the two countries change, the friendship between China and Pakistan is as stable as always. No matter how geopolitical structure adjusts, the cooperation between China and Pakistan enjoys continuous development,” he added.

He said that China-Pakistan relations showcase strong soundness, stability and persistence, which are not only conducive to both countries, but also increasingly becoming an anchor of regional peace and stability.

Wang Yi said China firmly supports Pakistan in defending its sovereignty and national dignity, supports Pakistan on its constant development and growth, and supports the country’s efforts in fighting against terrorism and safeguarding national security.

China appreciates Pakistan’s consistent and firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests.

“We are ready to work together with our Pakistani brothers to undertake the historical mission of national rejuvenation and achieve the great dream of national prosperity and development,” Wang said. “In this way, our iron friendship with Pakistan will never rust and be tempered into steel.”

Wang Yi also appreciated Pakistan’s active participation in the SCO and expressed China’s strong support to Pakistan’s efforts in enhancing regional peace and cooperation, besides its tireless efforts in countering terrorism in the country.

Khawaja Asif highly appreciated the vibrant role of the SCO in the region and said it was significantly vital forum for regional cooperation. He informed that Pakistan was looking forward to productive and fruitful meeting of the heads of states of the SCO at Qingdao in June this year. President Mamnoon Hussain would participate in the summit.

The foreign minister expressed his appreciation for the Chinese initiative of Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers Trilateral Mechanism for enhancing cooperation with Afghanistan.

Asif also apprised Wang Yi of grave situation prevailing in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

He congratulated Wing Yi on his re-election as foreign minister and his elevation as State Councillor. He also congratulated him on re-election of Xi Jinping as president of China and as core leader of Communist Party of China (CPC).

The minister also informed the state councillor about Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s visit of China earlier this month and his participation in successful and productive Boao Forum for Asia conference.

Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid and other senior diplomats of two countries were present.

 

Asif calls on President Xi

 

Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif met with Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Monday.

The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers of other member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The two-day SCO foreign ministers’ meeting will discuss issues related to peace and security at an international and regional level and the promotion of cooperation between SCO member states.

Pakistan has been playing an active role in SCO since becoming a full member in June last year.

The foreign minister conveyed the warm sentiments of friendship and brotherhood from the people of Pakistan to the people of China.

He highlighted that Pakistan and China were all weather strategic cooperative partners whose bonds of mutual trust and respect were eternal.

Appreciating the common vision of a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood, Asif underscored the importance of President Xi Jinping’s vision of the Belt and Road Initiative which have received wide international support.

He highlighted that together, Pakistan and China have proven the viability of the Belt and Road Initiative through its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

President Xi Jinping underlined the close friendship between China and Pakistan and appreciated Pakistan’s role as a new member of the SCO.

 

 

China reassures Pakistan on ties ahead of Xi-Modi meeting