President Mamnoon Hussain and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday expressed resolve to maintain close collaboration for the region's security and prosperity and to jointly fight against terrorism and separatism. The two leaders expressed these views in a delegation-level meeting held here at Kuksaroy - the State guest house, on the sidelines of 16th summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry also attended the meeting. "The meeting discussed issues of bilateral interest including cooperation in economic and defence sectors, with specific focus on Pakistan's inclusion in Nuclear Suppliers Group," Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told APP about the meeting.
The Foreign Secretary said President Mamnoon Hussain thanked President Xi for China's unequivocal support to Pakistan's admission in the NSG and said China's stance was based on the policy of non-discrimination. "The President emphasised that Pakistan and India should be included in NSG on same time similar to their inclusion in SCO," he said. He said with the notion of Pakistan and China having common friends and foes, the two leaders agreed to work together to fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism.
Chinese President Xi has assured President Mamnoon that China would adopt criteria-based approach on the issue of NSG, which would support Pakistan's case, the Foreign Secretary said.
President Mamnoon said Pakistan regards China's enemies as its own and had taken action against the militants of East Turkistan Movement (ETM). He said Pakistan would not allow the terrorists of ETM to have safe havens at its soil. The President thanked China for condemning the recent drone strike by the United States that killed the Afghan leader Mullah Akhter Mansour.
Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan and China held unanimity of views on regional peace, prosperity and stability and mentioned that Pakistan was supportive of `One China policy. He said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and mentioned the ongoing successful military operation Zarb-e-Azb. The two sides agreed to have no compromise on the execution of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the project guarantees prosperity of the region. They also agreed on close collaboration between their countries to ensure the timely completion of CPEC.
He said the two countries enjoyed unique level of friendship, which had extraordinary significance in Pakistan's foreign policy, and expressed hope that the Sino-Pak friendship would touch new heights in future. Chinese President said China values its friendship with Pakistan which he said was based on the elements of sincerity and selflessness. He lauded Pakistan's efforts on fighting against terrorism and elimination of militants during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
He said China and Pakistan were celebrating their 65th Friendship Anniversary this year and emphasised on enhancing high-level exchanges and strengthening people-to-people contacts. The meeting also discussed cooperation in defence production and joint collaboration on the marketing of JF-17 Thunder aircrafts.