ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: China on Thursday welcomed steps by Pakistan and India for improving their relations and hoped the two neighbors would resolve their outstanding issues through dialogue.
“China welcomes all measures conducive to improving the Pakistan-India relationship and supports Pakistan and India in beefing up anti-terrorism cooperation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing, Xinhua reported.
“We sincerely hope the two countries, as China’s neighbors and friends, can settle the relevant issues calmly through dialogue and cooperation, and sustain the momentum of improving ties for regional peace and stability,” Hua said.
In December last year, Pakistan and India decided to resume their comprehensive bilateral talks when the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Islamabad to participate in the Heart of Asia Conference.
A meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of Pakistan and India is scheduled on January 15 to work out the modalities and schedule of the meetings of various segments under the bilateral dialogue as agreed on December 9, 2015.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also made a surprise visit to Pakistan on December 25 and during the meeting between Modi and his Pakistani Counterpart Nawaz Sharif at later’s residence near Lahore, they reiterated their firm commitment to continue the efforts for improving Pak-India relations.
Source: APP/DND
