China is time-tested friend of Pakistan:Nawaz Sharif

Lahore: President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has declared that his Government would accord the highest priority to deepening and further reinforcing of the existing excellent relations with the Peoples Republic of China.

The former Prime Minister made this remark during the course of his warm and cordial meeting with the visiting Chinese Premier, HE. Mr. Li Keqiang in Islamabad on Thursday, 23rd May, 2013. He described China as Pakistan’s time-tested friend that had stood by us during difficult periods in our history. He added that a strong, stable and prosperous China was an important factor in the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. Mr. Nawaz Sharif recalled that during his earlier tenures, the two countries had cooperated in many important spheres and it would be his endeavor to encourage China to assume a greater role in the revival of the economy, with special reference to easing the crippling energy shortage.

The visiting Chinese Premier, while offering his congratulations and good wishes to Mr. Nawaz Sharif on his Party’s outstanding success in the just concluded general elections, reiterated that the Chinese people had deep respect for the former Prime Minister. He said that China viewed Mr. Nawaz Sharif as a sincere and committed friend, whose contribution to expanding cooperation between the two countries was highly appreciated. The Chinese Premier also gave an assurance that given the special relations existing between the two countries, it would be his Government’s endeavor to expand its cooperation with Pakistan in all sectors, especially those that needed urgent attention.

Apart from a comprehensive review of bilateral issues, the two sides were also able to touch on a number of regional and international issues of common interest. This revealed great similarity between their views, which led torenewed affirmation of their resolve to further enhance their cooperation.

The Chinese Premier also conveyed an invitation to Nawaz Sharif to pay an early visit to China, to discuss further how to give shape to the many ideas that had been exchanged in today’s meeting. While conveying his thanks and deep appreciation for the gracious invitation, Mian Nawaz Sharif confirmed that he looked forward to an early opportunity of exchanging views with the Chinese leadership, as this would be of mutualbenefit to both. Dates for the visit would be finalized through diplomatic channels.

The PML(N) President was accompanied by Shahbaz Sharif, Nisar Ali Khan, Ishaq Dar and Tariq Fatemi, while the Chinese Premier was assisted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other senior officials.