China, Pakistan vow closer parliamentary links

China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang called for closer parliamentary exchanges and anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan Thursday.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks in his talks with Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Xinhua news agency reported.

They agreed to step up bilateral cooperation in fighting against terrorism, to jointly safeguard regional peace, stability and security.

Zhang called on Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese organisations and people in the country, in a bid to ensure safe environment for cooperation.

Hailing the fruitful cooperation between the two strategic partners in recent years, Zhang said the construction of the China-Pakistan economic corridor was a key to cement cooperation, as well as an important part of China's initiatives of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

"China treasures its traditional friendship with Pakistan, and always considers the ties as a priority of the country's foreign policy," he said.

China stuck to a policy of equality and mutual benefit in boosting cooperation with Pakistan, and encouraged Chinese companies to positively participate in Pakistan's energy and infrastructure projects, Zhang said.

He urged closer exchanges between the NPC and Pakistan's National Assembly, and suggested they formulate and improve bilateral legal documents in a timely manner, to offer legal guarantee for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Zhang also proposed closer cooperation in such areas as education, culture, youth and tourism, as well as stronger dialogue on regional and global issues.

Sadiq said the two countries firmly supported each other on issues regarding each other's core interests and major concerns.

Applauding China's efforts in combating terrorism, he said Pakistan's National Assembly was ready to beef up exchanges with the NPC and facilitate new progress of bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Sadiq is on a visit to China Jan 25-30.