Pakistan, China agree to collaborate on regional security

BEIJING: Reaffirming support for Pakistan in war against terrorism, Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, on Friday said that peace in Afghanistan remains in the interest of both countries.

Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif here, he said that China supports its all-weather friend in war against terrorism.

“China will continue its support to Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty,” Yi said.

Calling Pakistan an irreplaceable friend, the Chinese foreign minister pledged to play its role in Pakistan’s progress and development. “The relationship between the two countries remain unbreakable,” Yi added.

Lauding Pakistan’s efforts, he opined that there is a need to acknowledge Pakistan’s endeavors in countering terrorism, adding that China wants improved relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Taking part in a conversation, Khawaja Asif said that the relations between China and Pakistan are exemplary, adding that Pakistan deeply values China’s support for the country’s territorial integrity.

On US President Donald Trump’s revised Afghan policy, he reiterated that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict.

Calling China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a flagship project, he vowed action against any threat to the project.

The Pakistani foreign minister reached Beijing on Thursday evening on a state visit to China to hold discussions on bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest in terms of regional and international strategies.

Accompanying Pakistan’s national security advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Nasser Janjua, Khawaja Asif was received by top officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on his arrival at the airport yesterday.