BEIJING – Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif says Pakistan and Chinaare important strategic partners and their friendship is based on mutualrespect and trust.

He was talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of themeeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai CooperationOrganization in Beijing on Monday. He conveyed message of goodwill toPresident Xi from people of Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan appreciates the Chinese President’s Beltand Road vision for peaceful and prosperous neighborhood.

He said the Belt and Road project has been welcomed at world level.

Khawaja Asif said CPEC is promoting the Belt and Road vision of the ChinesePresident.

On the occasion, the Chinese President lauded Pakistan’s role as member ofSCO.