Pakistan, China pledge to work for regional stability thru SCO: FM

BEJING, April 23 (APP):Pakistan and China on Monday resolved to further enhance and deepen bilateral cooperation
with the pledge to play a key role for regional stability through Shanghai Coordination Cooperation
(SCO).
Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said while talking to media along with Chinese Foreign
Minister Wang Yi after their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM)
moot held here at Diaoyutai State Guest House.
The foreign minister said the during the meeting, held in a very cordial atmosphere, his Chinese
counterpart termed Pakistan and China as close friends, all-weather strategic and cooperative
partners.
Wang Yi also appreciated Pakistan’s active participation in the SCO and expressed China’s
strong support to Pakistan’s efforts in enhancing regional peace and cooperation besides its tireless
efforts in countering terrorism in the country, he added.
Khawaja Asif highly appreciated the vibrant role of the SCO in the region and said it was
significantly vital forum for regional cooperation.
He informed that Pakistan was looking forward to productive and fruitful meeting of the heads
of states of the SCO at Qingdao in June this year. President Mamnoon Hussain would participate
in the summit.
The foreign minister expressed his appreciation for the Chinese initiative of Pakistan-China-Afghanistan
Foreign Ministers Trilateral Mechanism for enhancing cooperation with Afghanistan.
Khawaja Asif also apprised Wang Yi of grave situation prevailing in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).
He congratulated Wing Yi on his re-election as foreign minister and his elevation as State
Councilor.
He also congratulated him on re-election of Xi Jinping as president of People Republic of China
and as core leader of Communist Party of China (CPC).
Khawaja Asif also informed him about Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s visit of China earlier
this month and his participation in successful and productive Boao Forum for Asia conference.
“In his speech, the prime minister lauded the visionary address of President Xi at Boao Forum
based on the principle of shared prosperity and win-win cooperation. The two leaders also held a
highly productive bilateral meeting there,” he added.
Wang Yi said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and
friendship between the two countries has received support from the two peoples’ hearts, with
solid public opinion foundation.
“No matter how the international and regional situation changes, the mutual trust between
China and Pakistan remains unbreakable. No matter how domestic situations of the two countries
change, the friendship between China and Pakistan is as stable as always. No matter how geopolitical
structure adjusts, the cooperation between China and Pakistan enjoys continuous development,”
he added.
He said that China-Pakistan relations showcase strong soundness, stability and persistence,
which are not only conducive to both countries, but also increasingly becoming an anchor of
regional peace and stability.
Wang Yi said China firmly supports Pakistan in defending its sovereignty and national dignity,
supports Pakistan on its constant development and growth, and supports the country’s efforts in
fighting against terrorism and safeguarding national security.
China appreciates Pakistan’s consistent and firm support on issues concerning China’s core
interests.
Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid and other senior diplomats of two countries
were present.