Chinese PM meets COAS, says CPEC conducive to regional prosperity

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Chinese PM meets COAS, says CPEC conducive to regional prosperity

BEIJING: Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang met with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Monday to enhance bilateral economic and security ties and said China appreciated the strong support from Pakistan’s government and military on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

General Raheel Sharif is on a two-day official visit to Beijing.

“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not only a flagship project between the two sides, but also conducive to development and prosperity of the whole region,” the China premier was quoted as saying by the country’s media.

He said the two countries will share opportunities and overcome challenges through joint efforts to benefit the two peoples.

The Pakistan Army appreciates China’s profound friendship with Pakistan, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) said, stressing that his country expects achievements from the CPEC and was ready to provide security for cooperation.

Prime Minister Li Keqiang said military-to-military relations have reinforced China-Pakistan ties, especially economic cooperation. He also stressed the need to strengthen high-level contact and deepen exchanges in various fields between the two countries.

Economic cooperation and security collaboration between the two countries should be pushed forward “like two wheels,” he added.

Li Keqiang also hoped that China and Pakistan will increase communication and coordination on global and regional issues to safeguard peace and promote common development and prosperity.

Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Fan Changlong also met with Gen Raheel Sharif earlier in the day to promote military-to-military ties between the neighboring countries.