Chinese minister reiterates support to Pakistan for regional peace, stability

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou on Wednesday reiterated his country's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region.

The Chinese vice foreign minister visited Pakistan on March 5-6, where he called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Xuanyou also held talks with foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meetings, both Pakistan and China reaffirmed their time-tested and all-weather strategic, cooperative partnership, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said in a statement.

Pakistan thanked China for its steadfast support, it said. The Chinese vice foreign minister was briefed on Pakistan's efforts to resolve all issues with India through dialogue.

Xuanyou underscored that Pakistan and China are close friends and partners, and reiterated China's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region, the statement read further. He also acknowledged Pakistan's measures against terrorism.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the strong bonds in their bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance cooperation and coordination at all levels, the statement added.

During his meeting with COAS Bajwa, the Chinese vice foreign minister discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security, bilateral cooperation and current situation between Pakistan and India, according Major General Asif Ghafoor, director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, the DG ISPR said in his tweet.