ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Tuesday said the all-weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China was an anchor for the regional peace and stability.
The Advisor was talking to Member Political Bureau of Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary (CPC) Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Zhang Chunxian, who called on him here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Welcoming Zhang, the Adviser underlined the importance of Pak-China friendship, which was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, investment, economic cooperation, CPEC, people-to-people contacts, education, science and technology etc, said a press release.
Enhancement of cooperation between Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and Pakistan, including at the provincial level, was also deliberated upon at length.
Zhang Chunxian is leading a large delegation of officials and businesspersons. Earlier, he had visited Karachi and Gwadar port.
During the call on, Zhang thanked the Advisor for the warm hospitality and said Pakistan and China were “iron brothers” joined by land, mountains and rivers.
He reiterated China’s unflinching support to Pakistan’s sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity.
The Member Political Bureau of Central Committee of CPC and Xinjiang Party Secretary lauded Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and recognized its sacrifices.
Reiterating commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said it was a flagship project of President Xi Jinping’s ‘One Belt-One Road’ initiative to which the Chinese leadership attached great importance.
Zhang emphasized that the CPEC would be of mutual economic benefit to the people of China and Pakistan as well as the region.
During discussion, Zhang emphasized the importance of connectivity and for realizing the full objective of the Quadrilateral Agreement on Road Transportation between China, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
He also highlighted the importance of setting up industrial and Science and Technology Parks in Pakistan which could attract large investment from enterprises in Xinjiang.
