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Sharif meets Li

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Press Trust of India Beijing
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz

Sharif today met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang and discussed global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Sharif met Li on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Hainan province.

' Pakistan Premier arrived in China yesterday, his second visit after he took over power last year, to attend the forum, a Chinese-backed global platform.

Sharif will review progress in bilateral ties, with particular focus on economic cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan's state-run APP news agency had reported yesterday.

The Corridor was finalised during his visit here last year. It is planned through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), raising concerns in India.
 

China plans to connect the corridor with Gwadar, a strategic port in Pakistan.

However, concerns remain about its viability considering the volatile situation prevailing in Pakistan.

During their meeting, Sharif told Li that friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

"We have excellent cooperation in all sectors with Pakistan and we have convergence of policy on regional and global issues," APP quoted Li as saying.

In his address to the Forum, Sharif called for enhanced regional connectivity and integration for success.

"Destiny has made us neighbours and put us together, let us now make conscious efforts to build a harmonious region, through mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilisations and pursuit of common development," he said.

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First Published: Apr 10 2014 | 7:45 PM IST

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