–FM Qureshi and Chinese vice president discuss regional situation, advocate smooth implementation of CPEC
BEIJING: China’s Vice President Wang Qishan assured Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi of his country’s unwavering support to Pakistan for its sovereignty, territorial integrity and socio-economic development.
FM Qureshi, who is on a visit to Beijing, called on the Chinese vice president on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
The Chinese vice president expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of bilateral ties since Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to China in November last year.
The foreign minister thanked the vice president for China’s steadfast support to Pakistan, briefing him on the recent developments in the region as well as appreciating China’s constructive role in easing of Pak-India tensions.
He apprised the vice president of progress on CPEC as both sides agreed to smooth implementation of the project that will greatly contribute to socio-economic development of Pakistan.
He also conveyed greetings of PM Imran Khan to VP Wang. FM Qureshi said the premier was looking forward to visiting China next month to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum.
MEETING WITH WANG YI:
He also held strategic talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday.
Both sides discussed different issues of bilateral concern with a special focus on law and order situation in the region. They also exchanged views on Afghan peace and reconciliation process and agreed to continue their joint efforts for restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said China has made commendable efforts for deescalating tension and restoring peace in the region.
For his part, the Chinese Foreign Minister said Pakistan has made commendable efforts to ease tension and establish peace in the region.
Meanwhile, talking to Minister International Department for Communist Party of China Song Tao in Beijing, Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasised on the strengthening of ties between the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Communist Party of China.
He said all the political parties of Pakistan were on the same page regarding the CPEC.
Qureshi observed that Pakistan and China were enjoying brotherly relations. He added that Islamabad “also desired better ties with its regional neighbours”.
He praised Chinese programmes for eliminating corruption and poverty alleviation of 700 million people. The foreign minister said that Pakistan will also be benefitted from China’s experiences in eradicating poverty and corruption.
