Xi Jinping says CPEC 'a landmark project' in promoting ties with Pakistan
Updated 22:34, 21-Aug-2020
CGTN
A view of Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Gwadar, January 29, 2018. /Xinhua

A view of Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Gwadar, January 29, 2018. /Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday applauded Pakistan's support and high attention to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the project helps the two countries enhance their bilateral ties and political consensuses.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a verbal message to Pakistani President Arif Alvi, who sent a congratulatory message to the opening of the second meeting of the CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism (JCM).

Viewing CPEC as a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xi said it is of great importance to promote the in-depth development of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and forging a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

Xi wished, under the framework of BRI, the two countries would continue to deepen their bilateral relations and political consensuses through friendly consultation.

Noting the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Xi said it again proves that cooperation and mutual support are the only ways to overcome the difficulties. China is ready to work with Pakistan to promote the China-Pakistan community with a shared future and strengthen regional cooperation to safeguard the peace and development in the region.

Alvi said earlier in his message that Pakistan is eager to enhance the progress on CPEC in collaboration with China and will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two sides to bring benefits for both countries.

Also on Friday, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed China's solid friendship with Pakistan when holding the second strategic dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Calling Pakistan a true friend to China, Wang said the mutual support between the two countries during the outbreak not only cemented the solid ties but also set a model for international cooperation in fighting against COVID-19.

According to Wang, the two sides are willing to conduct cooperation on vaccine development and contribute to building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

Wang also said that the two sides have agreed to support multilateralism and free trade while opposing unilateralism and protectionism. China and Pakistan are ready to safeguard their common strategic interests and international justice, added Wang.

(With input from Xinhua)