ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and China have agreed to continue bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards in line with their respective bilateral and multilateral commitments.
In a joint statement on All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership signed between Pakistan and China in Islamabad on Monday on the occasion of the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to Pakistan, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral non-discriminatory arms control and non-proliferation endeavours.
The statement said that China appreciates and supports steps taken by Pakistan towards its mainstreaming into the global non-proliferation regime and in this context, China welcomes Pakistan’s engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The two sides agreed to further enhance defence and maritime cooperation, maintain high-level visits and exchanges at various levels between relevant departments of the two armed forces.
Both Pakistan and China also expressed satisfaction at the growing volume of bilateral trade which has crossed $15 billion and agreed to make efforts to raise it to $20 billion in next three years.
The two countries believed that the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives represent a new model of regional and South-South cooperation.
The statement said the two sides will further enhance strategic communication and coordination to safeguard their common interests.
In addition, China reaffirmed its support and solidarity for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. It reiterated that Beijing has always placed its relationship with Islamabad on a priority position in its foreign policy agenda.
The Chinese side also appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and staunch support on issues concerning China’s core interests. It also hailed Pakistan’s efforts for the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues with its neighbours.
In the statement, Pakistan described its friendship with China as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. It reiterated its support to one-China policy and also expressed its full support to China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Pakistani side welcomed the creation of Silk Road Fund by China and its utilization for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related projects.
The Chinese President Xi Jinping invited President Mamnoon Hussain to visit China again at a mutually convenient time which was accepted.
Earlier, the Chinese president accompanied by a delegation arrived in Pakistan on his maiden visit.
During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, leaders of the Senate, the National Assembly, the Armed forces and political parties of Pakistan; and also engaged with people from a wide spectrum of the society.
