BEIJING: China said on Thursday it would continue to stand firmly behind Pakistan’s efforts to uphold its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
In a joint statement titled “Deepening China-Pakistan Strategic and Economic Cooperation” issued on the state visit of President Mamnoon Hussain (Feb 18-21), China also appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and staunch support on issues relating to China’s core interests.
“China lauds the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistanis in fighting the global scourge of terrorism,” the statement said, adding that Pakistan reiterated its support for China’s efforts in combating terrorism, extremism and separatism.
During the visit, Mr Hussain held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress Zhang Dejiang.
Pakistan described its friendship with China as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. President Hussain said support for this unique relationship resonated across Pakistan at all levels.
Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for one-China policy and opposition to any attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty.
According to the joint statement, Pakistan recognises the East Turkistan Islamic Movement as a terrorist organisation which poses a common threat to peace and stability in China and Pakistan.
Pakistan praised China’s forthright position on Islamabad’s counter-terrorism strategy and efforts. It valued generous support of the people of China and their government for the socio-economic development and projects of national importance in Pakistan.
China said it attached highest priority to its relationship with Pakistan and was committed to deepening the strategic and cooperative partnership with Islamabad.
The two sides agreed to strive for more friendly political relations, stronger economic bonds, deeper security cooperation and closer people-to-people contacts and work together for the goal of “China-Pakistan community of shared destiny”.
The two countries pledged to deepen cooperation in the existing fields while exploring new avenues for practical collaboration in line with the principles set forth in the treaty of friendship, cooperation and good-neighbourly relations signed by them in 2005.
Pakistan and China noted with satisfaction the progress made so far in establishing institutional mechanisms that would support the economic corridor. The Joint Cooperation Committee on the long-term plan for the China-Pakistan economic corridor had been activated while the working groups on planning, transport infrastructure and energy held successful inaugural sessions.
The two sides urged their relevant offices to expedite work on the economic corridor aimed at developing economy, improving people’s livelihood and bringing benefits to regional development and prosperity.
They also agreed to fully implement the additional agreement to extend the five-year development programme on China-Pakistan trade and economic cooperation and the free trade agreement. They agreed to work together to put the projects into implementation.