–Xi asks Islamabad, New Delhi to resolve Kashmir dispute via dialogue
–PM Imran thanks China for consistent support, says CPEC is his govt’s top priority
–FO says both leaders agreed to promote economic development in region, support Afghan peace process
ISLAMABAD: China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said his country supported Pakistan over issues pertaining to its core interests, as he called upon India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute via dialogue in the light of the United Nations resolutions.
The Chinese president made these remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, who’s on a two-day visit Beijing.
The meeting also involved discussions on multiple topics, including bilateral relations, the current state of the region and security and other matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Xi said he was watching the situation in Kashmir and would support Pakistan in issues related to its core interests.
The premier thanked the Chinese president and the government for its principled stance on the Kashmir issue and specifically mentioned Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s statement on the issue at the United Nations.
Lauding China for supporting Pakistan on every forum, the prime minister also thanked President Xi and maintained that China had firmly stood by Pakistan in supporting Pakistan’s core national interests and played a major role in advancing Pakistan’s economy as well as national development goals.
He added that Beijing has supported Islamabad without any conditions.
“Prime Minister affirmed that speedy completion of CPEC projects was number one priority of his government and that CPEC, an integral part of President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative, would play a transformational role in accelerating Pakistan’s economic development and promoting regional connectivity and prosperity,” said a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The premier reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support to China on all issues of its core interest.
“President Xi lauded Pakistan’s efforts in combatting terrorism and maintained that Pakistan through institutional and economic reforms was resolutely and promisingly on the way to substantial economic development,” added the statement.
PM Imran also congratulated the Chinese president on the country’s recent 70th anniversary. The Chinese leader appreciated PM Imran’s statements in regards to Pak-China relations at the UN and said both countries close relations.
As per the FO press release, both leaders agreed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would promote economic development and connectivity in the region while expressing resolve to continue to support the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
According to a Foreign Office (FO) press release, the meeting was followed by a luncheon banquet hosted by President Xi in honour of the premier.
He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Khusro Bakhtiar, Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Commerce, Textile, Industries, Production and Investment Abdul Razzak Dawood, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy and Chairman Board of Investment Zubair Gillani. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hameed and other officials were also present in the meeting.
IMRAN CALLS ON NPC CHAIRMAN:
Separately, PM Imran called on National People’s Congress (NPC) Chairman Li Zhanshu at the Great Hall of the People.
During the meeting, the prime minister stressed that completion of CPEC was a top priority of his government and hoped that its Phase-II would pave the way for further socio-economic development and livelihood opportunities for the people of Pakistan.
He was accompanied by the Foreign Minister, Minister for Railways, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy and other senior officials.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan wanted to learn from China’s experience of poverty eradication and expressed his determination to reduce poverty in Pakistan by following China’s model.
He also solicited the support of China in improving Pakistan’s agriculture and AI (Artificial Intelligence) sectors.
Chairman Li Zhanshu reaffirmed Chinese leadership’s commitment to support Pakistan on issues of its core national interest.
Li, recognizing the promise of Pakistan with its forward-looking policies, maintained that China would support Pakistan in initiatives proposed by PM Imran Khan.
He also maintained that both China and Pakistan could propose new projects that could be included in the CPEC.
Both the leaders agreed to carry forward the momentum of bilateral visits and enhance parliamentary linkages, which would further cement Pakistan-China bilateral ties. The prime minister invited the NPC chairman to visit Pakistan, which the latter accepted.
