ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has maintained that both China and Pakistan share the vision of a peaceful neighbourhood for development and progress of the two nations and reiterated their resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-China strategic cooperative cooperation. Talking to visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who is leading a delegation, called on the prime minister here at the Prime Minister Office (PMO) Tuesday and expressed resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-China strategic cooperation. The premier expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation between Pakistan and China on all issues of bilateral importance including high-level interactions, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, security and situation in the region and Afghanistan. He noted that projects related to CPEC, energy and infrastructure were progressing smoothly and attaining timely completion. He emphasised the need to further intensify cooperation on other CPEC-related projects including human development and livelihood, education and health so that the benefits of CPEC could trickle down to the common man. The Chinese assistant foreign minister, who is here for the eighth round of Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue, conveyed Prime Minister Abbasi the best regards of his Premier Li. He appreciated Pakistan’s support to China on its core issues and thanked the prime minister for his letter of congratulations to the Chinese leadership on the success of 19th CPC Congress. Prime Minister Abbasi stated that China is Pakistan’s iron brother and thanked the assistant foreign minister for the message from Premier Li. Kong Xuanyou along with his delegation visiting Pakistan for the Eighth round of Pakistan China Strategic Dialogue. In the meanwhile Ambassador of Chile to Pakistan, Jean Paul Tarud paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi at the PMO. Ambassador Tarud conveyed greetings and well wishes of the leadership of Chile and expressed the desire to work for strengthening Pakistan-Chile relations. The prime minister welcomed the ambassador to Islamabad who is also resident mission of his country for the UAE, noted that Pakistan and Chile enjoy cordial relations marked by cooperation at the multilateral forums. The Prime Minister also underscored the need for greater trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Tarud thanked the prime minister for the meeting and remarked that he had witnessed positive developments in Pakistan during his visits in recent years, especially infrastructure development, improved security and performance of the economy. A delegation of Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) called on Prime Minister Abbasi. The delegation comprised Sikandar Khan, Javed Kiyani, Ahsan Latif, Aslam Ghani, Ikram-ul-Haq, Aslam Farooq and Nouman Khan. Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervez Malik was also present during the meeting. Matters pertaining to the industry came under discussion. The prime minister observed that the issues raised by the Sugar Mills Association will be duly considered.
