Islamabad (September 08, 2018): Pakistani foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Chinese Counterpart Wang Yi agree to enhance cooperation.
After a detailed meeting, the Chinese foreign minister, who is currently in Pakistan on a three-day official visit, held a joint press conference with Qureshi to tell the media that the two sides have decided to initiate strategic dialogue and further enhance bilateral economic relations.
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Qureshi, while addressing the presser, said that the two sides discussed various matters of mutual interest, including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said the two sides had discussed special economic zones along with the CPEC during their meeting today.
He said CPEC is ‘proof’ that the belt programme is a sustainable initiative. “The CPEC is proof of how seamless the belt and road initiative can become with the help of all stakeholders,” he said.
FM Qureshi said that CPEC is progressing well and it will further widen opportunities not only for Pakistani and Chinese investors but for all.
“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is leading to fast paced progress,”
“Relations with China are an integral part of our foreign policy and CPEC is the new government’s top priority,” he added.
Speaking about the delegation-level talks held between the two countries, Qureshi said, “Bilateral relations and the regional situation were discussed.”
“Pakistan has played a key role in eliminating terrorism and China appreciated Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror,” he added.
“The purpose of the Chinese foreign minister’s meeting is to increase communication with the new government,” he added.
Qureshi also said that Yi will call on the president, the prime minister, National Assembly speaker and the chief of army staff (COAS).
“The Chinese foreign minister has invited PM Imran to visit the country in November,” Qureshi further said.
Chinese State Councilor Yi also spoke on the occasion and said, “We want to strengthen relations with Pakistan.”
“Had a positive meeting with Qureshi,” he added.
During the meeting, many pressing issues were discussed, he said, adding that the need for close communication on regional issues was also highlighted during the meeting.
Qureshi said that he had extended assurances that the country will ensure the security of Chinese officials working in Pakistan.
The foreign minister said that the two sides had also discussed that poverty alleviation and social development be incorporated into the future joint endeavours.
“We are proud of Pakistan and China’s friendship,” Qureshi had said before the meeting, noting that the friendship had “withstood every test”.
Chinese FM Wang Yi congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan for Assuming top office of the country and invited him to visit China.
Wang Yi told the media that Beijing will support Pakistan in developing its industrial sector as well as increasing exports to China.
“China will give a lot of sustenance to encourage imports from Pakistan,” he said. “We have decided to strive for a greater balance in two-way trade. China will earmark amounts of subsidiaries to encourage imports from Pakistan and will send more tread coalition teams to Pakistan. We will also broaden the market access to Pakistan’s competitive agricultural products.”
“The two sides will work to complete negotiations to upright the FTA by the end of this year to further enhance the level of trade,” he added.
“China will support Pakistan in developing the industry sector,” he said, adding that development-oriented cooperation was focused on during the meeting.
He said that he was visiting the country to renew China’s commitment to Pakistan and that China stands firmly by Islamabad as its counterpart.
“China and Pakistan are close friends. Our friendship has stood the test of time,” he said while stressing the need of enhanced strategic communication between the two sides.
“China will help Pakistan developing a local manufacturing centre,” he added.
In addition to meeting his Pakistani counterpart, the Chinese FM will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, outgoing president Mamnoon Hussain, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa. He is also likely to meet President-elect Arif Alvi.
Earlier, the Chinese government´s top diplomat on Saturday held the first high-level meeting with his Pakistani counterpart since new Prime Minister Imran Khan took office. Both Foreign Ministers are scheduled to hold a joint press-conference today.
According to Foreign Office spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was warmly welcomed by Pakistani counterpart as he reached Foreign Office to meet FM Qureshi.
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Both China and Pakistan agreed to strengthen the strategic cooperation.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a three-day visit to Islamabad during which he is scheduled to meet he president, the prime minister, National Assembly speaker and the chief of army staff (COAS).
Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal said delegation-level talks between the two delegations led by the two foreign ministers were also held at the Foreign Office.
“Chinese State Councillor Yi underscored Beijing’s firm support to Pakistan’s socioeconomic progress and development,” the FO spokesperson said.
Yi also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan to be the guest of honour at the International Import Expo in China.
“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges and regional situation were discussed during the meeting,” the spokesperson further said.
Yesterday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Pakistan on a three-day official visit. Foreign Minister spokesperson issued a statement upon his arrival, according to which higher authorities of Foreign Office received Chinese Foreign Minister at Islamabad airport. Chinese Foreign Minister will stay in Pakistan for three days, from September 7 to 9. 
Spokesperson said that the visit of Wang Yi would be the first high-level exchange between China and Pakistan after the establishment of the new Pakistani government.
‘We hope and look forward to this visit, continue the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and push China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership to a new height’, she added.
She said that during the visit, Wang Yi will also meet the high-level leadership of Pakistan. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. The two countries are good neighbours, good friends, and good brothers. China-Pakistan relations have maintained a good momentum of development. The two sides have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has progressed smoothly.
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