China, Pakistan strategic partners, Asif tells President Xi Jinping
April 23, 2018
BEIJING: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing on Monday.
Asif in his meeting during the foreign minister council session expressed his goodwill to the Chinese President from the people of Pakistan and said that the relations between the neighboring countries are based on mutual respect and harmony.
"China and Pakistan are strategic partners," he said.
The Chinese president appreciated Pakistan’s role as a member in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Separately, Asif said that Pakistan believes that the informal meetings between the Chinese and Indian leaders may play an active role in ensuring regional peace.
He said that in his meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, he informed him of the serious situation prevailing in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Asif said that Pakistan is an all-weather friend of China and no matter what the two countries will continue to stand side by side. Pakistan is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels with China, promote the China-Pakistan economic corridor and other major cooperation projects, and continuously deepen the close relationship between the two sides.
Pakistan firmly supports China’s core interests and wish for China to play a greater role in international and regional affairs, he added.
He also wished that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit proves to be a complete success.
Asif calls on Tajik counterpart
Asif also called on his Tajik counterpart Sirodjidin Aslov at Shanghai Cooperation Organization secretariat in Beijing, where both the sides agreed to enhance strategic and bilateral cooperation for regional peace and stability.
Asif, on the occasion, said that they have historic, strong collaboration with Tajikistan and have deepened cooperation in the field of anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics.
"We decided that this cooperation will continue," he added.
Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov appreciated the ties between the two countries.
Asif along with other foreign ministers attended the 7th concert of SCO music evening titled “Nine Magical Notes.” He expressed hope that such events shall contribute to the deepening and expansion of cultural dialogue between the SCO member states.
The Pakistani foreign minister also met Secretary General of SCO, Rashid Alimov and acknowledged him for arranging “Nine Magical Notes.”
The meeting was also attended by Foreign Ministers of other member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, diplomats and a large number of journalists.
