China reaffirms support to Pakistan's territorial integrity

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Pakistan and China on Monday signed a Joint Statement on All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership under which China reaffirmed its support and solidarity for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan. The Chinese side reiterated that China has always placed its relationship with Pakistan on a priority position in its foreign policy agenda. China appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and staunch support on issues concerning China’s core interests. It appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues with its neighbours. Pakistan reiterated commitment to one-China policy. The two sides will further enhance strategic communication and coordination to safeguard their common interests. Pakistan and China expressed satisfaction at the growing volume of bilateral trade, which has crossed fifteen billion dollars and agreed to make efforts to raise it to twenty billion dollar in next three years. They appreciated the progress to make China-Pakistan Economic Corridor an important project of “the Belt and Road”. Pakistan welcomed the creation of Silk Road Fund by China and its utilisation for CPEC-related projects. The two sides believed that the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives represent a new model of regional and South-South cooperation, which will offer new opportunities for Asia’s rejuvenation and the common prosperity of all countries. The two sides stressed that the planning and development of the Corridor will cover all regions and benefit the entire population of Pakistan, while promoting the common development and prosperity of both China and Pakistan as well as other parts of the region. They agreed to further enhance defence and maritime cooperation, maintain high-level visits and exchanges at various levels between relevant departments of the two armed forces. The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues of common interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral non-discriminatory arms control and non-proliferation endeavours. They agree to continue bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards, in line with their respective bilateral and multilateral commitments. China appreciates and supports steps taken by Pakistan towards its mainstreaming into the global non-proliferation regime. In this context, China welcomes Pakistan’s engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Pakistan. The two sides believe that the evolving situation in Afghanistan has immediate implications for regional security and stability. President Xi Jinping invited President Mamnoon Hussain to visit China again at a mutually convenient time, which was accepted.