TASHKENT: President Mamnoon Hussain and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday expressed resolve to maintain close collaboration for the region’s security and prosperity and to jointly fight against terrorism and separatism.
The two leaders expressed these views in a delegation-level meeting held here at the state guest house on the sidelines of 16th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Affairs Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry also present in the meeting.
“The meeting discussed issues of bilateral interest includingcooperation in economic and defence sectors, with specific focus on Pakistan’s inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group,” Aizaz said after the meeting. He said that President Mamnoon thanked President Xi for China’s unequivocal support to Pakistan’s admission in the elite nuclear club and said China’s stance was based on the policy of non-discrimination.
“The president emphasised that Pakistan and India should be included in the NSG on same time similar to their inclusion in SCO,” hesaid. With the notion of Pakistan and China having common friends and foes, the two leaders agreed to work together to fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism, he said.
President Xi assured President Mamnoon that China would adopt criteria-based approach on the NSG issue, which would support Pakistan’s case, the foreign secretary said. President Mamnoon said that Pakistan regards China’s enemies as its own and had taken action against the East Turkistan Movement (ETM).
He said that Pakistan would not allow the terrorists to have safe havens at its soil. The president thanked China for condemning the recent drone strike by the US that allegedly killed Afghan leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour. Mamnoon said that Pakistan and China held unanimity of views on regional peace, prosperity and stability and mentioned that Pakistan was supportive of one China policy.
The two sides agreed to have no compromise on the execution of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the project guarantees prosperity of the region. They also agreed on close collaboration between their countries to ensure the timely completion of the mega project.
He said that the two countries enjoyed unique level of friendship, which had extraordinary significance in Pakistan’s foreign policy, and expressed the hope that the Sino-Pakistan friendship would touch new heights in future. The Chinese president said that China values its friendship with Pakistan which he said was based on the elements of sincerity and selflessness.
He lauded Pakistan’s efforts on fighting against terrorism and elimination of the militants during the Zarb-e-Azb military operation. He said that Pakistan and China were celebrating their 65th Friendship Anniversary this year and emphasised on enhancing high-level exchanges and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
The meeting also discussed cooperation in defence production and joint collaboration on the marketing of JF-17 Thunder aircrafts.
