Pakistan can learn from Chinese experience for development: foreign minister

ISLAMABAD: Praising the vision of President Xi Jinping for China’s socio-economic development, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan could learn much from Chinese experience in socio-economic development, particularly agriculture, as Pakistan had basically an agrarian economy.

Talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, who called on him in Islamabad, he reiterated determination of the government to take strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China to new heights.

He welcomed the upcoming visit of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Pakistan next month and looked forward to an in-depth exchange of views with him on all matters of mutual interest.

On the occasion, Ambassador Yao congratulated the foreign minister on assumption of the office and formation of new government in Pakistan. He said Pakistan and China were iron brothers and close friends.

He reiterated his government’s desire to work closely with Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also thanked Ambassador Yao Jing for good wishes and said Pakistan and China were close friends and strong partners.

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The Chinese ambassador held a separate meeting with Speaker National Assembly Assad Qaiser.

The speaker said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a project of development and prosperity for both the countries and the region. He said the new government would take every possible step to complete the CPEC.

Assad Qaiser said Pak-China friendship was exemplary and both countries had supported the stance of each other on different issues. He said relations between the two countries can further be strengthened exchanging parliamentary delegations and people to people contact.

The Chinese ambassador said that China gives immense importance to its relations with time-tested friend and the Chinese leadership wanted to further strengthen it.

He said coordination between both the countries was imperative for peace, development and prosperity in the region.