ISLAMABAD:Pakistan and China have reiterated committment to support each other on the issues of mutual benefit and concern. The leadership of both countries expressed full satisfaction over level of cooperation between China and Pakistan. Prime minister, Imran Khan, repeated core philosophy of relationship between Islamabad and Beijing saying ” The friendship between China and Pakistan was higher than Himaylias and deeper than oceans and both ‘Iron’ brother remain committed to keep improving and strengthening bilateral ties to keep balance of power to ensure durable peace in the region.
A joint statement issued after the meeting of PM Imran with Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Sunday the Pakistan side expressed its commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.
The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and security, as well as promoting its socio-economic development and prosperity,it added.
The statement said : “The leaders of the two countries held in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as the regional situation and international political landscape.”
It added that Prime Minister, Imran Khan apppreciated Xi for his Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic and social development.
The two sides acknowledged the major contribution of CPEC projects, particularly in the areas of energy and transport infrastructure, in strengthening Pakistan’s key role in regional connectivity while modernising its economic base.
China and Pakistan also reaffirmed their support for timely completion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC ) projects while agreeing to further leverage the private sectors and entrepreneurs to contribute to Pakistan’s industrialisation.
The statement said the two sides expressed their strong determination to safeguard CPEC from all threats and negative propaganda,” the statement added. The Chinese side also appreciated the launch of the Pakistan-China Business and Investment Forum.
“The two leaders agreed to task the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to strengthen cooperation across all areas,” it maintained.
The two sides highlighted the significance of Gwadar as a central pillar of CPEC and important node in regional connectivity, it said, adding, “according to the “1 + 4” layout, the two sides agreed to jointly accelerate the construction and operation of Gwadar Port and build Gwadar low-carbon circular industry zone.”
The statement noted that the Pakistan and Chinese leaders agreed to develop Gwadar for the socio-economic benefit of its residents.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to the security of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
The two sides noted that the CPEC was a win-win enterprise and pivotal for regional prosperity and enhanced connectivity. As an open and inclusive initiative, third parties were welcome to benefit from investment opportunities in the CPEC SEZs,” the statement said
The two sides also reviewed with satisfaction bilateral cooperation and mutual support after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the statement said, adding that it was also decided to enhance existing cooperation for developing emergency response systems, public health infrastructure and joint ventures for the development of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.
The statement said both countries agreed to consolidate and expand bilateral trade relations by fully utilising the second Phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement.
Welcoming the establishment of Pakistan’s pavilions on Chinese e-commerce platforms, the two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, setting up online payment systems and cooperating in logistics, warehousing and customs facilitation.
The two sides noted with satisfaction the successful holding of the 15th Session of the Pakistan-China Joint Committee on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in December 2021.
Building on the memorundom of Understanding ( MoU) on Tourism Exchanges and Cooperation signed in November last year, the two sides agreed to celebrate the Pakistan-China Year of Tourism Exchanges in 2023 and to establish strong linkages between the tourism promotion agencies and private enterprises of the two countries.
China and Pakistan also agreed to “continue the momentum in defence cooperation at various levels” between the armed forces of Pakistan and China. “They underscored that stronger defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and China was an important factor of peace and stability in the region,” it added.
They also stressed the importance of resolution of all outstanding disputes to promote regional cooperation and advance the goals of stability and shared prosperity in the region. The Chinese leadership was also briefed by the Kashmir conflict.
The Chinese side reiterated that the Kashmir issue was a dispute left from history and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
Pakistan and China agreed that a stable Afghanistan was essential for prosperity in the region, as per the statement.
The two sides underscored the need to expedite humanitarian aid to avert the looming crisis and called upon the international community to provide continued and enhanced assistance and support to Afghanistan.