- Punjab CM says terrorists are joint enemies of Pakistan, China
- Chinese FM says CPEC will bring about economic stability
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of Pak-China ties, projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and regional situation in a meeting held at Prime Minister House Islamabad Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that Chinese friendship is a valuable asset for every Pakistani, and Pakistan is proud of Pak-China friendship. He said that friendship between both the countries has converted into economic cooperation, and Pakistan and China hold similar opinion on regional and international matters.
China has always stood with Pakistan in testing times and proved its friendship in real terms, he said, adding a new era of development and progress has ushered in Pakistan due to projects of CPEC.
He said the belt and road vision of the Chinese president is the vision of peace, development and progress. “We are thankful to the role of the Chinese foreign minister in the implementation of the economic package for Pakistan,” he said.
He said the visit of the Chinese foreign minister will further help strengthen regional cooperation and progress besides diplomatic relations.
About the Chinese investment and cooperation with Pakistan, the chief minister said relationship of love and respect in the top leaderships at the highest level are resulting in profitable economic benefits for the people of both countries.
About the recent incident of terrorism, CM Shehbaz said that forces which are creating impediments in the way of CPEC projects are involved in the killing of innocent people in Pakistan through terrorist activities. He said terrorists are joint enemies of Pakistan and China, and both countries will face this enemy jointly.
He said joint enemy will have to be eliminated through joint efforts at the international level because sustainable development is not possible without elimination of terrorism, and sustainable peace in the region is drastically needed for development and progress. He praised the positive role of China for peace, cooperation and development.
The chief minister, on this occasion, conveyed the message of best wishes of PM Nawaz Sharif to the Chinese foreign minister.
‘WE STAND BY PAKISTAN AND ITS PEOPLE’:
Chinese FM Wang Yi expressed his grief and sorrow over the recent incident of terrorism in the country and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “We stand by Pakistan and its people during this time of agony,” he added. He also paid tributes to the sacrifices of Pakistan for elimination of terrorism.
Yi said China is working shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan for development and peace, and CPEC will bring about peace and prosperity in the region. He said both the countries want peace and cooperation and will promote trade and industry, adding that cooperation between both countries in every field is praiseworthy. He praised speedy progress and economic stability in Punjab and efforts of Shehbaz Sharif for good governance and said it is praiseworthy that Punjab is making speedy progress.
CM hosted a dinner in the honour of Wang Yi. The Chinese foreign minister thanked the chief minister for warm welcome. Ambassador of China in Pakistan Sun Weidong, Foreign Advisor Sartaj Aziz, Minister of State Maryam Aurangzaib, Finance Minister Punjab Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Tehmina Janjua, Sardar Mehtaab Khan, Chief Secretary Punjab, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad, important personalities and other members of delegation were also present on this occasion.