BEIJING, April 28 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the conclusion of 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) here on Sunday.
The two Prime Ministers were accompanied by Ministers and senior officials.
Both leaders reaffirmed the time-tested and strong friendship between Pakistan and China and exchanged views on the myriad facets of bilateral engagement.
The Prime Minister extended felicitations to the Chinese leadership for successful holding of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF).
Noting the depth and breadth of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Prime Minister said it was of immense significance for the world in terms of connectivity and shared prosperity.
The two sides exchanged views on bilateral collaboration in the context of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and prospects of further deepening economic linkages.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s economy and noted with satisfaction its expansion into new areas of development – including industrial development; livelihood projects; social uplift; and agriculture in line with the priorities of government.
He hoped that Chinese investment in Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) would expand Pakistan’s industrial base and assist in diversifying its export basket.
Underlining the steady growth of bilateral cooperation since the Prime Minister’s last visit to China in November 2018, Premier Li Keqiang expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum of CPEC projects.
He hoped that the conclusion of the Second Phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), would give further boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to further deepen the political, security, economic, education, science and technology, cultural, and people-to-people relations.
It was agreed to maintain the existing momentum of high level exchanges between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues including peace efforts in Afghanistan and peace and stability in South Asia. They also agreed to closely coordinate in their endeavors.
VNS Islamabad
