Islamabad, October 15 (INP): Chinese Premier Li Qiang has reaffirmed China’s commitment to continued investment in and strategic cooperation with Pakistan.  A joint statement released following a meeting between Premier Li and President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations. Premier Li emphasized the strong brotherly, neighborly, and partner-like relationship between China and Pakistan, asserting that under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, the strategic cooperation between the two countries will continue to deepen. He acknowledged President Zardari’s contributions to fostering bilateral ties, noting the consistent mutual support provided despite global challenges. He reiterated China’s commitment to elevating the Pakistan-China partnership to new heights.

Premier Li stressed the need to accelerate the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) development projects and assured that China will continue to support Chinese companies investing in Pakistan. He expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Pakistan-China relations in the future.  The statement also highlighted China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and prosperity. President Zardari, in turn, noted the potential for further expansion of Pakistan-China relations.  He emphasized the need to enhance trade and people-to-people exchanges. He urged Chinese companies to take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan and highlighted the opportune moment to leverage CPEC and Gwadar Port to benefit from China’s economic growth.  He also announced plans to visit China in November. He expressed his anticipation for further dialogue to strengthen existing ties.

He reiterated Pakistan’s gratitude for China’s consistent support on issues of mutual importance, particularly the Kashmir issue. President Zardari expressed deep condolences on the recent terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two Chinese citizens.  He described the incident as a tragedy for the entire nation and stressed that enemies of Pakistan-China friendship are attempting to sabotage bilateral relations by targeting Chinese citizens. He asserted that those seeking to undermine CPEC projects are also enemies of this friendship and will not succeed in their nefarious efforts.  He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and assured that all necessary measures will be taken to enhance the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. He thanked China for its continued support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China