Beijing hopeful parties would work to form new government

ISLAMABAD: While congratulating Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies in a steady and smooth manner, China has expressed hope that “the political parties in Pakistan could work together to form a new government after the polls.”

The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a statement on Monday said “We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” Mao Ning said during her regular briefing which resumed in Beijing after a 10-day pause in the wake of the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival holidays. “As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold the political solidarity and social stability after the elections,” she added.

The spokesperson said that China and Pakistan were all-weather strategic cooperative partners and China hoped to work with Pakistan to build on the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation in various areas and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

In response to a query about the delay in forming a government in Pakistan, she said that the Chinese side noted that the Pakistan election was generally steady and smooth and China respected the choice of Pakistani people. “As to the situation you mentioned, we believe the relevant parties in Pakistan can stick to solidarity and work together to solve relevant issues,” she reminded.

The greeting messages are pouring from the world capitals about the holding of elections in Pakistan as the United States had announced to work with a new government in Pakistan. Iran was the first country that felicitated people and the government of Pakistan on the successful holding of the nationwide election.