'China ready to raise ties to new level with Pakistan'

China has said it appreciates Pakistan's valuable support on issues concerning its core interests and stands ready to work with Islamabad to lift bilateral ties to a new level.

Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan said it here Friday while visiting the country, Xinhua reported. During a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he hailed the all-weather friendship and all-around cooperation between the two countries as a good example for international relationships.

Building the China-Pakistan economic corridor, the Chinese minister said, is an important consensus reached by leaders of the two nations, which will play a leading and exemplary role for the construction of the Silk Road economic belt as well as the maritime Silk Road.

Pakistan firmly adheres to the "one-China" policy and stands ready to strengthen security cooperation with China in the fight against terrorism and separatism, Sharif said, adding with joint efforts, friendly cooperation between the two countries and armies will be further promoted.

He said the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China has stood the test of time and is witnessing more progress in all cooperation fields.

The China-Pakistan economic corridor will not only benefit the two peoples, but also promote the economic and social development of countries in South Asia and Central Asia, Sharif added.

Chang arrived here early Thursday for an official visit.