Pakistan and China Monday resolved to work together towards completion of the ongoing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), besides expanding it to new areas of cooperation. This was agreed in the first round of Political Consultations between Pakistan and China held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua led the Pakistani delegation whilst Chinese side was led by Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou.
"Both sides held comprehensive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations," the Foreign Office said in a statement, adding that the two sides reaffirmed "All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction at the strong bilateral ties in political, economic, security, cultural and other spheres.
The two sides also agreed to build upon the consensus reached between the leadership of two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China, it stated, adding that the Pakistani side conveyed that the CPEC is a national priority for the government and Pakistan remains committed to the successful implementation of CPEC.
"The two sides also resolved to work together towards completion of the ongoing projects and agreed to expand CPEC to new areas of cooperation in line with the vision of the leadership of Pakistan," it said.
Earlier, the Chinese leadership had reportedly expressed concerns over the statements by some PTI government's officials with regard to reviewing the CPEC projects following which the funding of some projects was reduced.
However, the 8th meeting of Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on CPEC will be held from December 20 in Beijing in which the two sides will exchange views on the upcoming projects under the CPEC. Sources said that the JCC is also expected to sign framework agreements on special economic zones (SEZs) for development of industrial sector.
"Both sides exchanged views on international political situation with a particular focus on Afghanistan and South Asia," it stated, adding that they also expressed satisfaction at their robust cooperation in multilateral fora and reiterated their resolve to further augment it in the future.
The visiting Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou also called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi separately in Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign minister congratulated Vice-Minister Kong on successful conclusion of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations. He said that Pakistan-China friendship has deep cultural, historical and institutional linkages and has become an 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.'
Recalling Prime Minister's Imran Khan's successful visit to China in November, the foreign minister said that it marks a milestone in the history of bilateral relations and has deepened the bond of trust and friendship between the two nations.
Qureshi highlighted that CPEC has added yet another dimension to bilateral ties and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to complete this project as envisaged by the leadership of both the countries. He said that he is looking forward to participating in the 2nd meeting of China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Trilateral mechanism to be held in Kabul on December 15, 2018.
While reciprocating the sentiments of Foreign Minister Qureshi, Vice Foreign Minister Kong said that China attaches paramount importance to its relations with Pakistan. He expressed satisfaction at the momentum of bilateral relations and underscored the need to further enhance ties in political, economic, defence and cultural spheres. He appreciated Pakistan for its efforts to achieve goals of national development.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional situation and multilateral issues of mutual concern and agreed to deepen strategic coordination and communication at all levels.
Meanwhile, the Chinese vice minister of foreign affairs also called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), at GHQ, the ISPR said.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral cooperation came under discussion. The CoAS said that Pak-China relations are all-weather and based on mutual trust and confidence.
The visiting dignitary commended the sacrifices and resilience of the people and armed forces of Pakistan and appreciated the role Pakistan Army has played in battling the scourge of terrorism, it added.