Mamnoon, Xi discuss regional security, global issues

BEIJING: President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday called on his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

Matters pertaining to bilateral relations between Pakistan and China came under discussion during the meeting. They also discussed regional security situation and global issues.

President Hussain congratulated Xi Jinping on his re-election as President of People’s Republic of China and General Secretary of Communist Party of China

He also felicitated his Chinese counterpart on successful conduct of the SCO Summit in China and wished it a resounding success. He said that Pakistan supported the Chinese chairmanship of SCO and appreciated the various initiatives proposed by China in the organisation during the last one year.

On the bilateral relations, the two leaders highlighted that as all-weather strategic cooperative partners and close friends, Pakistan and China have always stood by each other and would continue to further strengthen this time-tested relationship.

They agreed to continue supporting each other on issues of core interest. Agreeing that Pakistan-China relations are a pillar of stability, the two presidents reiterated their resolve to maintain close engagement on all issues of regional and global importance.

President Xi said that China attached importance to its relations with Pakistan which would continue to remain a priority for China.

Appreciating the Belt and Road Initiative and personal attention by President Xi Jinping to CPEC, President Mamnoon Hussain emphasized that as a flagship project, CPEC is a successful model of this initiative.

The two leaders agreed that early completion of projects would further contribute towards economic development of Pakistan. They also agreed to explore ways to improve the balance of bilateral trade.

President Xi appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and its role in peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. The two presidents also agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation on all issues of mutual interest.