BEIJING: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting in Beijing on Thursday and both the leaders pledged to carry forward their all-weather friendship to new heights.
During their meeting, both the leaders have had discussion on bilateral and other issues of concern to their countries.
The Pakistan premier said that it is an honour for him to visit the friendly country, a source of strength for Pakistan.
Sharif told President Xi that Pakistan is faced with numerous challenges and it has an uphill task to pull the economy out from the current economic difficulties.
The Prime Minister said that this is a difficult time, yet he is committed and determined to surmount all these challenges
Sharif said that he was fully cognizant of the internal security situation in parts of the country and the government was working out a strategy to improve it.
He pointed out that his country has to address the economic challenges in tandem with internal and regional security issues.
Nawaz Sharif said that failure to address these issues was not an option for him and Pakistan believes that China will stand by its friend and neighbour.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was warmly welcomed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping who recalled his earlier meeting with him in 2010.
President Xi said that he has great and happy memories of that meeting and the issues discussed at that time.
“I have great liking for you and your brother,” said Xi in lighter tone.
The Chinese President Xi Jinping said that “we are proud that you have chosen China for your first overseas visit”.
“Pakistan is a great country and we have enormous love and affection for it”, he added.
Jinping expressed the hope the visit will prove to be fruitful as a lot of homework had been done by both the countries.
He expressed the hope that tangible outcome will emerge in the coming days. Both sides are expected to commit themselves for implementation of different projects and further bolstering their multifaceted cooperation.
