China backs Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, CPEC 2.0

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reiterated his country’s complete support to fight terrorism as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Beijing’s unflinching support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socioeconomic development.

The day also saw Shehbaz meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two leaders expressed the desire to promote and expand the existing ties between the two nations.

As Shehbaz and Xi held a meeting at the Great Hall of People, a readout from Chinese state news agency Xinhua read while quoting the host as saying, “China supports Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.”

Xi also hoped that Islamabad would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, creating a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.

Xi said China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength.

“China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0,” he added.

Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad that China was willing to cooperate with Pakistan in industry, agriculture and mining, as the two sides also discussed ways and means to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Read more: China eyes mining cooperation with Pakistan, CPEC upgrade

In this regard, Shehbaz, according to APP, reaffirmed the desire to continue working closely with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of the upgraded CPEC with its five new corridors. said.

Read more: China reassures Iran of supporting right to civilian nuclear energy

REGIONAL PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

At the same time, Xinhua says Xi noted, “As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development.”

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the meeting, which took place after the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Tianjin.

Read more: SCO committed to combating terrorism, separatism, extremism

On the other hand, APP reported, “Both leaders also discussed important regional and global developments and agreed to continue close cooperation between Pakistan and China in this regard.”

The prime minister also highlighted the significance of CPEC as a flagship project of Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to help both countries build an even stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future.

He hailed President Xi’s strong commitment to strengthening multilateralism.

Read more: Xi against some nations imposing ‘house rules’ on others

Pakistan fully supported landmark steps like the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative.

SHEHBAZ MEETS PUTIN

During the meeting, the Russian president expressed his sorrow over the loss of many lives as well as material losses in floods and said Pakistan had been facing natural disasters.

Citing the cordial relations, Putin said Pakistan was a friend and partner of Russia in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz, who was accompanied by the foreign minister and the army chief among others, said Pakistan wanted peace, development and prosperity in the region.