Terrorism, extremism our common enemies: Chinese FM

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that terrorism and extremism are the common enemies of Pakistan and China.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here at the Prime Minister’s House, the Chinese foreign minister said his country will continue cooperation with Pakistan in successfully overcoming its challenges.
He said Pakistan and China are iron brothers and frequent bilateral exchanges have strengthened this relationship. The prime minister reiterated that friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, emphasising that China has always been a sincere friend of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan believes the important visit of President Xi Jinping would strengthen the “all-weather strategic partnership” between the two countries. He said the Chinese president’s visit will bring the two countries closer to achieving the dream of building a “Pak-China community of shared destiny”.
Nawaz underscored that Pakistan attaches great importance to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and expressed confidence that President Xi’s slated visit would help fast-track the project.
The Chinese foreign minister also informed PM Nawaz that the purpose of his visit is to prepare for President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan. The prime minister said that security for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan is a matter of high priority for Pakistan and special arrangements are being made for this purpose. Wang, in turn, thanked the government for taking measures to improve security of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan. The Chinese foreign minister also conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Nawaz Sharif, adding that China appreciates the importance Pakistan attaches to friendship with China.
Wang said that during the Chinese president’s visit, both sides will hold in-depth discussions on all matters of mutual interest including economy, security and regional developments in the backdrop of changing international scenario. “President Xi attaches great importance to the relationship with Pakistan and cherishes the trust and friendship between the two countries,” he said.
Pakistan and China are celebrating 2015 as their year of friendly exchanges which has formally begun with Wang Yi’s visit and will be followed by a series of high-level bilateral visits from both sides.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser to the PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry were present during the meeting. Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Sun Weidong was also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters.During the meeting, focus of discussion was on regional security and enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation between both countries.
Wang appreciated significant and noticeable successes and progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb.The meeting was followed by roundtable delegation level discussion which included senior officials from both sides.
Earlier, on arrival at the General Headquarters, the Chinese foreign minister laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army for peace and stability in the region.