NSG membership: Pakistan President thanks China for unequivocal support

Further said that India and Pakistan should be included in the NSG at the same time similar to their inclusion in the SCO

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain has reportedly thanked his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for Beijing's unequivocal support for Islamabad's admission to the 48- member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Stating that both India and Pakistan should be included in the NSG at the same time similar to their inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), President Hussain was quoted by Pakistan state media, as saying that Beijing's stance was based on the policy of non-discrimination.

Both sides also expressed a resolve to maintain a close collaboration for the region's security and prosperity and to jointly fight against terrorism and separatism.

Presidents Hussain and Xi expressed these views during a delegation-level meeting in Tashkent on the sidelines of 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The Pakistani President said both Islamabad and Beijing held a unanimity of views on regional peace, prosperity and stability and mentioned that the former was supportive of the 'One China policy'.

He also reiterated that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and also made a mention of the ongoing successful Zarb-e-Azb military operation.

Both nations also agreed not to compromise on the execution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the project guarantees prosperity for the region.

To ensure the timely completion of the CPEC, both leaders also agreed on closer collaboration.

Hussain added that both countries enjoy a unique level of friendship and expressed the hope that the Sino-Pak friendship would touch new heights in the future.