ISLAMABAD: Wang Yang, the Vice-Premier of the State Council of People’s Republic of China called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at PM House, here on Sunday.
The Prime Minister, while warmly welcoming Wang Yang, said that Pakistan and China are all weather friends and strategic partners. Pak-China bilateral ties are time tested; our relationship has attained new heights after the CPEC that is a game changer for the region and beyond, the Prime Minister stated.
Both the leaders held comprehensive discussions on all issues of bilateral, regional and international interest. They expressed satisfaction at the progress in implementation of CPEC projects.
Vice Premier Wang Yang congratulated the Prime Minister on Pakistan’s 70th anniversary celebrations and stressed that his visit demonstrated the close strategic relations between the “iron brothers”, Pakistan and China, and China’s strong support for Pakistan. He thanked Pakistan for its consistent support for issues of core importance to China.
Both leaders agreed to further promote cooperation on all issues of mutual interest.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Chinese Vice Prime Minister witnessed the inauguration ceremony of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) energy and infrastructure projects and the signing of bilateral MoUs/agreements between the two countries.
Chinese Vice Premier was assisted by Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong and other senior officials from the Chinese side. Minister for Foreign Affairs Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior government officials were also present during the meeting.
The Prime Minister also hosted a dinner in honour of the Chinese Vice Premier and members of the visiting delegation.—PR
OUR REPORTER ADDS: The Vice Premier of the State Council of People’s Republic of China Wang Yang arrived here on Sunday along with a high-powered delegation on a two-day visit to participate in the 71st Independence Day celebrations.
As a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Vice Premier Wang Yang is among the top leadership of China.
According to a Foreign Office statement, Vice Premier Wang Yang is undertaking the visit to Pakistan on the directions of President Xi Jinping as a special gesture to participate in the Independence Day Celebrations of Pakistan.
“His visit on this important milestone for Pakistan is a reflection of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China,” it stated.
In March, a contingent of the guard of honour of the three services of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) took part in the Pakistan military parade held in Islamabad to mark the Pakistan Day.
“The special visit of Vice Premier Wang underscores the close brotherly and cooperative ties between Pakistan and China and China’s strong political support for Pakistan”, the statement added.
During his visit, the Vice Premier will attend the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 14 [today] as a special guest, and call on President Mamnoon Hussain. He will also call on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
He will participate in the inauguration ceremony of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and witness the signing of bilateral MoUs/Agreements between the two countries.
