ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and China on Monday signed 51 agreements and Memorandums Of Understandings (MoUs) related to Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, research technology, education and other fields.
The agreements were signed by relevant ministers and officials of the two countries in the presence of visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following their wide ranging talks in Islamabad on Monday afternoon.
The two leaders unveiled plaques of eight projects to be undertaken in Pakistan with Chinese assistance. They also performed ground-breaking of five projects through video link.
On the occasion, the prime minister said that the agreements and MoUs signed by the two countries for projects in Pakistan have sound financial and technical backing and are being put on fast track.
“Friendship with China is corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy,” the prime minister reaffirmed.
The prime minister said that the nature of friendship between Pakistan and China is best captured by expressions like friendship is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel.
Nawaz Sharif said that there are strong public sentiments driving our relations which provide a sound basis for their strength. He said that the most prominent hallmark of our relationship is consistency and resilience.
The premier said that irrespective of political developments changes in the two countries and major regional and international developments. He said that Pakistan-China ties have remained robust.
“Our relations are based on shared ideals and principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit and respect,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chinese president said that the main objective of his visit is to further cement and giving new boost to the strategic partnership and friendly ties with Pakistan.
The Chinese president assured that China will continue playing its part for sustainable socio-economic development of Pakistan with particular focus on development in Balochistan.
Xi Jinping said that special attention will be paid to further strengthen economic strategic partnership with Pakistan in next 10 years.
