Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan witness the signing of a series of cooperation documents after their talks, Beijing, October 8, 2019. /Xinhua Photo
China and Pakistan say they will continue to prioritize the development of their bilateral relationship. The statement came after talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on Tuesday.
China welcomed its "Iron Brother" Pakistan with a grand ceremony. The two premiers witnessed the signing of 27 agreements, mainly to improve the livelihood of people on both sides. The two countries also reaffirmed their mutual support at the meeting.
"China firmly supports Pakistan's legitimate rights to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China also supports Pakistan's drive for national revitalization and development to prosperity," said Li Keqiang on Pakistan's regional security situation.
China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The two countries have supported each other over the past years despite changes in international and regional situations. Khan thanked China for being an all-weather friend and rendering support in difficult times.
"You get to know your friends in difficult times. And China has stood with us yet again. On behalf of my country, I want to thank you," said Khan.
The two sides also agreed to push forward collaboration on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and work together to build it into a model of high-quality development. The corridor is a multi-billion dollar flagship project that includes energy and infrastructure projects. It was officially launched in 2013 under the Belt and Road Initiative.
"Based on the existing Gwadar Port and other projects, the two sides will focus on expanding the scope of CPEC by undertaking projects, such as industrial parks, and extending the corridor to the western areas of Pakistan," said China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui, adding, "The two sides have also agreed to hold the ninth meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee of CPEC in November in Pakistan."
Imran Khan is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. This is Khan's third visit to China since he took office last year. Previously, Khan said he expected this visit to be an important milestone in further developing Pakistan-China ties.
