Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan

On October 9, 2019, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Xi Jinping emphasized, China and Pakistan are unique all-weather strategic cooperative partners. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China-Pakistan friendship has always been unbreakable and rock-solid, and bilateral cooperation has always maintained strong vitality with continuous expansion. The Chinese side has always taken Pakistan as a priority in its diplomacy, and will continue to firmly support the Pakistani side on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Pakistani side to strengthen strategic coordination and practical cooperation so as to forge a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era.

Xi Jinping pointed out, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. We have held a series of celebrations, which is also a concentrated patriotic education. The Chinese people, nearly 1.4 billion in number, have forged a cohesive force with unprecedented patriotism, consolidating our confidence and determination to continue down the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics against all odds, run our own affairs, and stand firm in the community of nations. In the past, Pakistan provided selfless help to China in difficult times, and now that China has developed, it sincerely hopes to help Pakistan for better development. The two sides need to maintain close high-level exchanges, step up strategic communication and coordinate positions on major issues in a timely fashion. Both countries should promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with high standards, well build and effectively run the existing energy projects, transport infrastructure, industrial parks and projects concerning people's livelihood, and make the CPEC a demonstration project of the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese side highly appreciates and firmly supports the Pakistani side's efforts in fighting against terrorism. The two sides should beef up communication and cooperation within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other multilateral mechanisms so as to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Imran Khan extended warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He said, Pakistan, as China's iron friend, is sincerely delighted to see China's remarkable development achievements. The Pakistani side is grateful to China for always adhering to principles and upholding justice and for its firm support and selfless help to Pakistan. Facts have shown that China is Pakistan's all-weather strategic cooperative partner and bilateral friendship enjoys popular support. The Pakistani side looks forward to continuing to strengthen exchanges, coordination and cooperation with the Chinese side and firmly advance the construction of the CPEC so as to make it a successful example of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Pakistani side will continue to firmly advance counter-terrorism efforts to safeguard security and stability.

Imran Khan briefed on the Pakistani side's views on the Kashmir situation, calling for avoiding deterioration of the situation as far as possible and preventing the situation from getting out of control. He said, the Pakistani side highly values and appreciates the Chinese side's objective and unbiased position. Xi Jinping said, the Chinese side follows the Kashmir situation, and the merits of relevant events are clear. The Chinese side supports the Pakistani side in safeguarding its own legitimate rights, and hopes that the relevant parties can solve their disputes through peaceful dialogue.

Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others were present.