Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations, the regional situation and other matters of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The meeting was followed by a luncheon banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping in honour of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister, Minister of Planning, Development and Reform, Minister of Railways, Adviser on Commerce, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy and Chairman BOI. Chief of Army Staff, DG ISI and other senior officials were also present during meeting.
The two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored that China was Pakistan’s steadfast ally, staunch partner and iron brother. The Prime Minister maintained that China had firmly stood by Pakistan in supporting Pakistan’s core national interests and played a major role in advancing Pakistan’s economic as well as national development goals.
The Prime Minister affirmed that speedy completion of CPEC projects was number one priority of his government and that CPEC, an integral part of President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative, would play a transformational role in accelerating Pakistan’s economic development and promoting regional connectivity and prosperity. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support to China on all issues of its core interest.
Highlighting the situation in IoJK, Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored that the continued lockdown of millions of Kashmiris for over two months had created a dire humanitarian situation in IoJK. The Prime Minister stressed the urgency to immediately lift curfew in IoJK to alleviate the sufferings of the Kashmiris to avert risks to peace and security in the region.
President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's unwavering support to Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as on all issues of Pakistan’s core national interest. He appreciated government's agenda for socio-economic development and people-centered progress.
He underscored that China’s relationship with Pakistan was rock-solid and unbreakable and that strong vibrance between the two countries would deepen and broaden in future. President Xi Jinping lauded Pakistan’s efforts to expeditiously execute CPEC projects and stressed that it would help national and regional economic development process.
President Xi Jinping lauded Pakistan’s efforts in combatting terrorism and maintained that Pakistan through institutional and economic reforms was resolutely and promisingly on the way to substantial economic development.
Both leaders agreed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would promote economic development and connectivity in the region and expressed the resolve to continue to support peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the close cooperation between the two countries at multilateral fora and resolved to further deepen strategic communication and coordination at all levels to strengthen Pakistan-China All Weather Strategic Co-operation. They also agreed to keep the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan Meets Chairman NPC
Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chairman National People’s Congress, Li Zhanshu, today at the Great Hall of the People. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister, Minister of Railways, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy and other senior officials.
Congratulating Chairman Li on 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan and China were close friends, steadfast partners and ‘iron brothers. Prime Minister underlined that China’s economic transformation in last few decades had been very impressive and worth emulating. He particularly noted that Pakistan wanted to learn from China’s experience of poverty mitigation and expressed his determination to reduce poverty in Pakistan by following China’s model.
Prime Minister stressed that completion of CPEC was top priority of his government and hoped that Phase-II of CPEC would pave way to promote further socio-economic development and livelihood opportunities for the people of Pakistan. Prime Minister also solicited support of China in improving Pakistan’s agriculture and AI sectors. . The Prime Minister proposed that, given Pakistan’s unique advantages, Chinese companies may relocate their industries to Pakistan.
Prime Minister thanked China for its steadfast support to Pakistan on all issues of Pakistan’s national interest. Prime Minister underscored that India’s illegal actions of 5 August had created a dire humanitarian situation in the IoJK and urged that the curfew imposed for over two months in IoJK needed to be lifted immediately enabling people to have access to basic human needs. He also highlighted the risks for peace and security in the region due to those actions.
Chairman Li Zhanshu reaffirmed Chinese leadership’s commitment to support Pakistan on issues of its core national interest. Mr. Li, recognizing the promise of Pakistan with its forward-looking policies, maintained that China would support Pakistan in initiatives proposed by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Mr. Li also maintained that both China and Pakistan could propose new projects that could be included in the CPEC.
Both leaders agreed to carry forward the momentum of bilateral visits and enhance parliamentary linkages which would further cement Pakistan-China bilateral ties. They also underscored commitment to enhance cooperation in political, cultural, educational and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Imran Khan invited Chairman NPC to visit Pakistan. The Chairman graciously accepted the invitation.
