China, Pakistan renew friendship and commitment to national development

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his willingness to make progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Gwadar Port projects to better serve both peoples during Thursday's meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Islamabad.

Regardless of the evolving global landscape, Pakistan completely trusts China and stands firmly with Beijing, Zardari said. He also highlighted the need for continued coordination on major international and regional issues to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Noting that China prioritizes its relationship with Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy, Wang pledged the country's continuous support for Pakistan in upholding it sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.

Amid a turbulent international environment, China is ready to work with Pakistan to deepen traditional friendship, enhance strategic communication and build "CPEC 2.0", forging a closer community between the two countries with a shared future in the new era.

Also on Thursday, Wang met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said he was looking forward to attending the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and events to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

Sharif said Pakistan hoped to advance "CPEC 2.0", expand cooperation in areas such as agriculture, mining and energy, and assured China of his country's commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.

Wang welcomed Sharif's upcoming visit, emphasizing that the China-Pakistan friendship remains unshakable.

He called for the enhancement of mutually beneficial cooperation in Gwadar Port, industrial parks, connectivity and high-tech sectors to boost Pakistan's independent development capacities and resilience against external challenges. Wang also reiterated China's support for Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts to create a secure and favorable environment for national development and bilateral cooperation.

During his three-day visit to Pakistan, which started on Wednesday, Wang also met with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir and held the sixth China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.