‘Pakistan, China to continue to work together for region’

• Chile envoy, China’s assistant FM call on PM
• Kong conveys best regards of PM Li to PM Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday said that Pakistan and China share the vision of a peaceful neighbourhood and would continue to work together for the development and progress of both the nations.

Talking to Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou who led a delegation here at the PM Office, he expressed resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-China strategic cooperation. He expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation between Pakistan and China on all issues of bilateral importance including high-level interactions, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, security and situation in the region and Afghanistan.

He noted that projects related to CPEC, energy, and infrastructure were progressing smoothly and attaining timely completion. He emphasised the need to further intensify cooperation on other CPEC-related projects including human development and livelihood, education and health so that the benefits of CPEC could trickle down to the common man.

The Chinese assistant foreign minister, who is visiting Pakistan for the eighth round of the Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue, conveyed Prime Minister Abbasi the best regards of the Chinese counterpart. He appreciated Pakistan’s support to China on its core issues and thanked the prime minister for his letter of congratulations to the Chinese leadership on the success of 19th CPC Congress.

Earlier, Chile Ambassador Jean-Paul Tarud with resident Mission in UAE paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Abbasi at the PM Office. On the occasion, the prime minister called for stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Chile, keeping in view their cordial strong bilateral relations.

He welcomed the Chilean ambassador and noted that Pakistan and Chile enjoy cordial relations, marked by cooperation at the multilateral fora. Ambassador Tarud conveyed greetings and well wishes of the leadership of Chile and expressed the desire to work for strengthening Pakistan-Chile relations.

He said that he had witnessed positive developments in Pakistan during his visits in recent years, especially infrastructure development, improved security and performance of the economy.

A delegation of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) also called on Prime Minister Abbasi. The delegation comprised Javed Kiyani, Ahsan Latif, Aslam Ghani, Sikander Khan, Ikram-ul-Haq, Aslam Farooq and Nouman Khan.

Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervez Malik was also present during the meeting. Matters pertaining to the industry came under discussion. Prime Minister Abbasi observed that the issues raised by the Sugar Mills Association would be duly considered.