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Friendship with China cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy: PM
Nawaz says postponement of Xi Jinping’s visit was unfortunate, Pakistani people eagerly looking forward to welcoming president soonAPP
ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said that the friendship with China was cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and solid foundation of time-tested and all-weather ties were based on strong mutual trust, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues.
“We owe it to our future generations to keep the rich narrative of Pakistan-China friendship alive by expanding people-to-people linkages at all levels,” the prime minister said. He was talking to International Department of the Committee of the Communist Party of China vice Minister Chen Fengxiang, who called on the prime minister along with a six-member delegation at the PM’s House. The prime minister said that postponement of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in September was unfortunate and the people of Pakistan were eagerly looking forward to welcoming the president soon.
He appreciated that the Communist Party of China has led China to astonishing economic transformation, which has lifted 400 million people out of poverty within a period of 30 years catapulting China into the ranks of the world’s major powers. This was an example for all developing countries, he said. The prime minister said, “Pakistan wants more institutional exchanges between the parliamentarians of the two countries to promote mutual understanding and learning.”
The delegation briefed the prime minister on recent political developments in China, including the outcomes of the 4th Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee meeting, which focused on strengthening the rule of law in China and increasing accountability of the administration. Since assuming office, President Xi Jinping has overseen a high-profile crackdown on corruption in Chinese government and Communist Party circles, Chen said. The delegation also extended condolences on the tragic incident of terrorism in Peshawar and said that the Chinese leadership has expressed sympathy and full support for the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of this dastardly act.
The prime minister appreciated the concern shown by Chinese leadership in this regard. He said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb has produced positive results and many terrorists have been killed or captured. “We will continue to target all terrorist organisations irrespective of their agenda and affiliation,” he said.
Other members of the delegation included Department of Inspection Director General Wang Hongxiang, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of China Yuan Zhibing, Deputy Director General Li Shuzhen, Director Bureau of Retired Cadres Chang Jiuqing, Deputy Director Hu Xiaodong. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong was also present during the meeting. Leader of the House in Senate Raja Zafarul Haq and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk