Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday said China will work with Pakistan, which he said is an "iron-clad friend," to make new contributions to safeguarding peace and stability and promoting prosperity in the region and the world.

Over the past decade, the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has yielded fruitful results and vigorously promoted Pakistan's economic and social development, making the corridor a signature project of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said when meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar in Beijing.

Both sides should strengthen cooperation in fields including industrial parks, agriculture and mining, new energy, promote the early implementation of major connectivity projects and achieve practical results, Xi said, adding that he welcomes more Pakistani high-quality agricultural products to be exported to China. 

He expressed hope that the Pakistani side will guarantee the safety of Chinese organizations and personnel in Pakistan. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan within the framework of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, promote regional solidarity and cooperation, and safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries, he added.

Kakar said Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and stands firmly with China on issues concerning its core interests. 

Pakistan will always be a credible and reliable friend of China and will never allow any force to undermine Pakistan-China friendship, he said.

He said Pakistan is willing to work closely with China to promote the high-quality development of the CPEC. The government of Pakistan will do its utmost to safeguard the security and interests of Chinese citizens and organizations in Pakistan, he added.