ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their firm resolve tofurther strengthening Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic CooperativePartnership aimed at building a Community of Shared Future in the New Era.
This resolve was expressed in a joint statement issued in Beijing onWednesday on the conclusion of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s two-day officialvisit to China.
The two sides observed that the close ties, deep-rooted friendship andstrategic partnership between Pakistan and China served the fundamentalinterests of the two countries and peoples, and contributed to peace,stability and development in the region. They also reaffirmed their supporton issues concerning each other’s core interests.
Chinese leaders reiterated solidarity with Pakistan in safeguarding itsterritorial sovereignty, independence and security.
The Pakistan side reaffirmed its commitment to the One China Policy.Supporting One Country Two Systems, Pakistan reiterated that affairs ofHong Kong are China’s internal matter and all countries should upholdinternational law and basic norms of non-interference in internal affairsof other countries.
The Pakistan side briefed the Chinese side on the situation in Jammu andKashmir, including its concerns, position, and current urgent issues.
The Chinese side responded that it is paying close attention to the currentsituation in Occupied Kashmir and reiterated that the Kashmir issue is adispute left from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolvedbased on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions andbilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral actions that complicatethe situation.
Pakistan side underscored that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is atransformational project. Both sides maintained that the second phase ofCPEC will promote industrial and socio-economic development in Pakistan.
Pakistan side also underlined that the Gwadar Port has been granted variousfacilities enabling it to become a trade and logistical hub for the region.The two sides expressed determination to speedily execute CPEC so that itsgrowth potential can be fully realized.
The two sides maintained that the ninth session of the Joint CooperationCommittee (JCC) to be held next month in Islamabad would further fast-trackimplementation of the ongoing projects and explore new avenues ofcooperation, including ML-1.
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They underlined that Chinese investment in Special Economic Zones andcollaboration in Small and Medium Enterprise sector would further expandPakistan’s industrial base and diversify its export base.
Both sides agreed to jointly study identified projects by the Pakistan sidein power, petroleum, gas, agriculture, industrial and infrastructuresectors.
They underlined that educational links between the two countries arebecoming stronger. Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked Chinese leadership forproviding opportunities to Pakistani students to study in China.
He hoped that those students will play an important role in furtherdeepening historic and deep-rooted ties between the two iron brothers.
The two sides agreed that early implementation of the Second Phase of theChina-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement would contribute to increase inbilateral trade. Both sides decided to take full advantage of theChina-Pakistan Joint Economic and Trade Commission to achieve balanced andsustainable development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Reaffirming that there is no military solution to Afghanistan problem, thetwo sides agreed that peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital forregional security.
The Chinese side appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace andreconciliation process in Afghanistan. Both sides maintained that aninclusive, and Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process would be key tobring peace and stability in the country.
During the visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Chinese counterpart LiKeqiang witnessed the signing of various agreements and Memorandums ofUnderstanding.
