Islamabad: Pakistan and China agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism, CPEC development and multilateral cooperation, while efforts to damage bilateral relations were thwarted and the commitment to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against all forms of terrorism was reiterated.
Terming terrorist groups based in Afghanistan as a serious threat to regional and global security, it demanded the interim Afghan government to eliminate terrorist groups and prevent them from using Afghan territory against other countries.
Pakistan opposes all forms of “Taiwan independence”. The Pakistani delegation condemned the terrorist attacks on Chinese officials and said that it would take steps to ensure the safety of them and their projects in Pakistan.
Pakistan and China agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several fields including counter-terrorism, defense, agriculture, information technology. The President’s Office and the Foreign Office issued a 24-point statement on President Asif Zardari’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to which they discussed Pakistan-China relations and global and regional issues of mutual interest. President Zardari was also called on by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Lijie.
The two sides agreed that the China-Pakistan all-weather partnership is the choice of history and the people and has the support of all walks of life in both countries. After facing the changing global situation, sustainable partnership and iron friendship transcend geopolitical interests, which is an important factor for regional peace, stability and development.
The two sides have always understood and supported each other and have deepened strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation. The two sides said that bilateral relations are of strategic importance and any attempt to disrupt or weaken them will be doomed to failure.
China reiterated that relations with Pakistan are of special importance in China’s foreign policy. Pakistan stressed that relations with China are the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The statement added that the two sides will further deepen high-level political mutual trust, high-level practical cooperation, high-level security cooperation and coordination. Pakistan expressed its appreciation and strong support for President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative.
The two sides agreed to enhance global cooperation to jointly address global challenges and promote a community with a shared future for humanity. Pakistan noted the development achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and expressed its strong support for advancing the construction of a great modern socialist country and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.
China praised Pakistan’s achievements in economic reform and national development. Pakistan will support issues related to Xinjiang, Zhejiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. The two sides also agreed to strengthen communication between central governments, local authorities, legislative bodies and political parties, and exchanges at various departments and levels.
China expressed its willingness to provide cooperation while appreciating Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. The two sides said that they are determined to leverage the JCC’s functions to strengthen the steps for the development of CPEC.
The two sides welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated their support for the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, President Zardari highlighted the enduring and deep partnership in his meeting with Prime Minister Li Keqiang.
According to the statement, generations of leaders of the two countries have strengthened friendship. Furthermore, a signing ceremony was held on the Pak-China Memorandum of Understanding. In which the signing was held between Thatta Cement Company and Qinggang Construction Group.
A production line will be set up in Pakistan to increase cement production by 5,000 tons per day. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Sindh Energy Department and Mingyang Renewable Energy Company for the construction of a coal gasification and urea production plant project.
