–Chinese minister assures PM Khan of cooperation in addressing issues like poverty, agricultural development
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan received Minister of International Development of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Song Tao on Monday at the Prime Minister’s Office where the two discussed various agendas of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, including the eradication of corruption.
Welcoming the minister, the prime minister said that the “all-weather friendship” between Pakistan and China holds particular significance to the people of Pakistan. “President Xi Jinping’s terming of this friendship as that of ‘iron brothers’ reflects an undeniable reality,” he commented, adding that Chinese President Xi is a great statesman who is also admired in Pakistan.
Appreciating the growing relations between the PTI and CPC, PM Khan emphasised on further enhancing these ties throughthe exchange of delegations and sharing of ideas.
On his upcoming visit to China, the premier stated that he looked forward to his meetings with the Chinese leadership. “This would provide an opportunity to underscore the importance of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries,” he stated.
PM Khan added that Pakistan would like to learn from the Chinese experience in poverty alleviation, fighting corruption and agriculture development through sharing expertise, technology and best practices in the sector. He said, “The China International Import Expo would provide an opportunity to the two sides to look into export possibilities from Pakistan to China.”
Chinese Minister Song Tao underscored the importance attached by the leadership and people of China to Pakistan-China relations. He assured China’s support to Pakistan at all regional international fora, as well as in addressing the agenda of poverty alleviation, fighting corruption and agricultural development.
Tao added that exchanges between political parties would help in sharing ideas to achieve common and shared development goals. He termed CPEC as a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative, which would make significant contributions towards building a “New Pakistan”.