Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister visits Pakistan, reiterates full support

Assistant Foreign Minister of China Kong Xuanyou visited Islamabad on November 20-21, where he reiterated China's full support to Pakistan on regional and international issues.

During his stay, Xuanyou called on Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and held delegation-level talks with Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, said a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

"Both sides expressed satisfaction at the continued expansion and deepening of bilateral relations. The Adviser underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to its relations with China and underlined the need to hold regular high-level exchanges," said the statement.

Xuanyou reiterated China's continued support to Pakistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Beijing also pledged support to Islamabad in fighting terrorism and extremism.

"During the bilateral meeting between the Foreign Secretary and the visiting Chinese dignitary, the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern came under discussion," said the statement.

The two sides agreed to remain engaged and further strengthen cooperation in all these areas for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

On the issue of Afghanistan peace, the two sides agreed that the international community should remain constructively engaged with Afghanistan, especially through the Quadrilateral Consultative Group (QCG) in support of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political reconciliation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the continued growth of cooperative strategic partnership.

"It was noted that timely completion of CPEC's (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) early harvest projects would significantly contribute towards the overall vision of the leadership of the two countries for the uplift of the region and improve regional connectivity," said the statement.