Xi urges faster building of closer China-Pakistan

China and Pakistan should accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and achieve more results in all-weather cooperation between the two countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday. China has always prioritized the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy no matter how the international situation changes, Xi said. “I feel gratified to see that the cause of bilateral friendship has successors,” Xi said.

Stressing that China firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Xi said China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Pakistan, enhance strategic communication and grasp the correct direction of the development of bilateral ties. Xi called on both sides to solidly advance the action plan for building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future, coordinate the construction of major landmark projects and “small but beautiful” livelihood initiatives, and deepen all-round cooperation in agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence, talent cultivation and other fields. Both sides should carry out security cooperation at a higher level and in broader fields to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, Xi said, adding that China commends Pakistan for taking the initiative to play a mediating role in restoring peace in the Middle East.

Sharif said President Xi is a great friend of the Pakistani people, and also a great friend of all peace-loving people in the world. Under the strong leadership of President Xi, China’s economy has achieved remarkable accomplishments that have attracted worldwide attention, providing a solid guarantee for maintaining world peace and building a multipolar world, Sharif said.