Chinese President Xi lauds govt's socio-economic agenda in meeting with PM Imran

BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Sunday.

Ministers and senior-level delegations accompanied both the leaders during the meeting which took place at the Great Hall of People.

Reaffirming ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ between Pakistan and China, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations in a warm and cordial atmosphere, according to a statement issued following the meeting.

Prime Minister Imran Khan along with Pakistani Delegation calls on President of China Mr. Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People at Beijing. Delegation level talks were held during the meeting. 🇵🇰🇨🇳#PMImranKhanInChina #PakChinaBrotherhood #PakChinaFriendship pic.twitter.com/BbYe4kLFNN

— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) April 28, 2019

They affirmed the resolve to further strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership in all fields including political, security, economic and trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked President Xi for the warm and gracious welcome accorded to him in China and for China’s steadfast support to Pakistan on all issues. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to China on all issues of its core interest.

The premier congratulated President Xi on the successful convening of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF), “which is a practical manifestation of his far-reaching vision, and highlighted its significance as an important international platform for connectivity and sharing of experience among the BRI participating countries.”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unflinching commitment to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he highlighted CPEC’s next phase and its extension into new areas of agriculture, industrial development, and socio-economic uplift with livelihood projects.

President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s unwavering support to Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated the government’s agenda for socio-economic development and people-centered progress. He affirmed that China-Pakistan ties would continue to acquire greater strength and deepen practical cooperation in the days to come.

The two sides also exchanged views on the regional situation, including in Afghanistan and South Asia. President Xi further expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained and successful efforts in the fight against terrorism and to create a peaceful neighbourhood.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the close cooperation between the two countries at multilateral fora and resolved to further deepen communication and coordination at all levels. They also agreed to keep the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.

PM Khan reached Beijing on April 25 for his four-day official tour of China at the invitation of China’s Presiednt Xi Jinping. This is the premier’s second official visit to the country since coming into power.

He paid a first visit to China in November last year.

The premier is accompanied by Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Faisal Vawda, Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, and other key government officials.

He delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum on Friday and attended a ‘Leaders’ Roundtable’ alongside representatives from around 38 countries on Saturday.