ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China will be highly significant in cementing bilateral ties sand enhancing economic cooperation, besides helping to ease energy crisis in Pakistan, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said on Monday.
“The government and the people of China are looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which is likely to lead to comprehensive cooperation in all fields of common interest especially energy, infrastructure, agriculture and people-to-people contact,” he said while briefing the media here at the Chinese embassy on Mr Sharif’s visit to China.
He said the energy issue would certainly top the agenda of talks between Prime Minister Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.
Following the talks, the two sides are likely to sign an agreement on energy cooperation.The ambassador said the Chinese companies and enterprises were interested in investing in hydro, wind, solar and bio-mass power projects.
He was hopeful the visit would be highly fruitful and productive and it would further boost bilateral economic and trade relations.
The visit will send a positive signal to the world as well as peoples of the two countries.
Mr Sun said that during his stay in Beijing, Mr Sharif would discuss with the Chinese leadership plans for reinforcing bilateral strategic partnership, enhancing economic cooperation and development of Pakistan-China trade and economic corridor.
He said China attached great importance to Mr Sharif’s visit.
The ambassador said his country appreciated Mr Sharif for choosing China for his first foreign tour that signified the closeness and warmth which characterised Sino-Pak relations.
In reply to a question, Mr Sun appreciated Pakistan’s role in fight against militancy and said the two countries had been making joint efforts to curb terrorism and extremism which were common enemies of both the countries.
“We appreciate the measures being taken by the Pakistan government to safeguard and protect Chinese people and companies in Pakistan.”
In reply to another question, he said the bilateral trade volume was about $12 billion which was not big enough keeping in view the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.
He said China had signed a free-trade agreement with Pakistan – the only country in the region.—APP