Chinese premier vows to support Pakistan at every forum

NEW YORK: While offering unflinching support to Pakistan’s solidarity and integrity, China announced here on Wednesday that it stands with Pakistan and will continue to stand with Pakistan in future.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said this in his delegation-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his hotel. The two leaders are here for leading the delegations of their respective countries in the United Nations General Assembly’s 71st session.

The two premiers expressed satisfaction over the efforts made by the two countries to deepen their ties anchored by a shared vision of peace and progress for their people and for the region. Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction on the state of Pak-China relations. He welcomed the statement of China on the atrocities being committed in the Indian Held Kashmir (IHK).

The prime minister said Pakistan is committed to regional peace and stability. “We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the prime minister reiterated.

Nawaz said the Operation Zarb-e-Azb was going on successfully. “We have dismantled the network of terrorists from Pakistan,” he said, adding, “Peace with neighbours is part of our vision.”

He condoled with the Chinese premier over the deaths in China due to the recent floods. “Whatever unfortunate happens in China is a matter of great concern for us; Pakistan and China are iron brothers,” the prime minister said.

He said the Pak-China relations have entered into a different phase from political to economic one, which is a matter of great happiness for Pakistan.The Chinese premier shared his thoughts on the great gesture by Nawaz Sharif to meet him as prime minister-designate when Premier Li Keqiang was in Pakistan. “You broke the tradition; Pak-China relations are unbreakable,” said the Chinese premier.

The meeting that lasted beyond the schedule timings had a conspicuous significance in the backdrop of tension created by India with Pakistan on the question of massive human rights violations in IHK.

The prime minister, in his remarks, thanked the Chinese nation for its support for Pakistan. He invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Pakistan and that was accepted by him. Nawaz assured China Pakistan’s support on the issue of Turkistan.

The talks took place in an extremely pleasant ambiance as the two shook hands warmly and introduced each other’s members of delegation before sitting across the table.The Chinese prime minister said at the outset: “We are thankful to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for investing huge resources for the safety and security of Chinese personnel in Pakistan.” He reiterated, “We attach great importance to Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.” He said that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism.

“We hope that the situation between India and Pakistan will not escalate. We also hope that there will be better understanding of Pakistani position on Kashmir by the international community,” Li Keqiang said. He also offered to play a role in reconciliation between Pakistan and India and said, “China is ready to play a constructive role in improvement of relations between Pakistan and India.”

Nawaz Sharif reminded the Chinese premier that he visited Pakistan in 2013 then he was elected but had not assumed the office and had a meeting with him. “Since then your visit to Pakistan is anxiously awaited,” Prime Minister Nawaz said. Accepting the invitation, the Chinese premier said that he would visit Pakistan soon. The Chinese premier was assisted by Foreign Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister, China’s permanent representative (PR) for the United Nations and other high officials. On the other hand, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan’s permanent representative (PR) for the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry were part of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s delegation.