Chinese FM heralds news of good times to come

• Pakistan and China agree on deepening economic, security cooperation, vow to curb terrorism from region
• China opposes self-styled reforms in UN, says Pakistan has special role in resolving Afghan issue
• Wang Yi says President Xi to soon visit Pakistan

During delegation level talks at the Foreign Office following the Chinese foreign minister’s arrival in Islamabad on Thursday, Pakistan and China agreed to deepen economic and security cooperation for consolidating the all-weather friendship between the two countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday arrived in Islamabad for a two-day visit to hold bilateral talks, promote economic and trade cooperation and discuss the regional situation with the Pakistani leadership.

Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi represented their countries in the talks which focussed on cooperation in political, strategic and economic fields.

The two sides discussed the regional situation and the need for strategic balance in South Asia. They also agreed over early operationalisation of energy and infrastructure projects under Pakistan China Economic Corridor project.

Later addressing a joint news conference, the Chinese foreign minister informed the Pakistani side that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Islamabad at an early date this year. Appreciating Pakistan’s resolute steps against terrorism, the minister expressed confidence that the visit will be historic and further enhance relations between the two countries which share a common destiny.

He termed Pakistan-China Economic Corridor project a flagship strategic cooperation project. He said progress on this important project will be seen soon this year. “We are doing our best that the peoples of two countries see the tangible benefits of this project. The corridor project is targeted at the whole of Pakistan and its social and economic benefits will reach all parts of the country.”

Wang Yi said the two sides have agreed to enhance people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. “These friendly exchanges will inject new energy in our relations. Both the countries are true friends who have always stood by each other in difficult times and will continue to do so in future. During my discussion with Sartaj Aziz, we agreed on everything. This shows the high degree of trust and support between the two countries.”

Responding to a question, the Chinese foreign minister said that Pakistan is an important neighbour of Afghanistan and both the countries share historical, cultural and religious affinities.

Pledging China’s support for the Afghan government in its efforts for reconciliation with different groups, including Taliban, for peace and stability in the region, the minister appreciated Pakistan’s seriousness for resolution of Afghan issues.

INDIA’S UNSC BID:

Asked about India defying scores of UN resolutions and the impact on its permanent membership, the Chinese Foreign Minister said this is a complex issue and consensus is needed. “Interest of all the concerned in the international community should be served, a solidarity and unanimous decision is needed.”

Moreover, supporting the stance of Pakistan for reforms in the Security Council instead of increasing its permanent members, the Chinese foreign minister said there is need to increase representation and voice to Security Council for the developing and small countries to make it more representative.

He said so far there has been no consensus on the increase of permanent membership of the Security Council as all the parties have not agreed on any resolution in this regard. He said that all the parties have to be agreed on the issue of new membership of the permanent membership of the Security Council.

In his remarks, Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan’s relations with China are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said both the countries are convinced of the dividends of economic cooperation. Both sides are fully committed to add greater depth to the all-weather relations, he added.

Welcoming the news of early visit of Chinese President to Pakistan, the advisor said the visiting dignitary will be accorded warm welcome. “In this regard, we exchanged broad ideas to commence the substantive preparations for the visit,” Aziz added.

Aziz also informed the Chinese foreign minister that Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all neighbours including India. He said that they also agreed to work together for promotion of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.