ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday underlined that close Pakistan-China cooperation was a factor of peace and stability in the region and expressed appreciation for China’s support for Pakistan’s role on international and regional issues.

The prime minister also underlined the importance of mutual support by China and Pakistan to each other on their respective issues of core interest.

He said this while talking to General Han Weiguo, Commander, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces, China, who called on him here at the Prime Minister Office. The prime minister congratulated General Han Weiguo on the conferment of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military).

The prime minister recalled his wide-ranging exchange of views with President Xi Jinping in their two recent meetings in Beijing in April 2019 and Bishkek this month. He underscored that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a flagship project of President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative and added Pakistan looked forward to also deepening cooperation in socioeconomic development between the two countries in Phase-II of CPEC.

General Han Weiguo thanked the prime minister for receiving him and said the conferment of the award was an honour for him.

He lauded Pakistan’s successful efforts against terrorism and steps to promote regional peace and stability.

General Han also underscored the importance of the time-tested Pakistan-China All Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership and reaffirmed China’s resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields and further fortify the China-Pakistan relationship.