BEIJING, 03 FEB, (DNA) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi has said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had added a new dimension to Pak-China all weather partnership.

He stated this during meeting with State Councilor Yang Jiechi in Beijing.

They also discussed measures to enhance further collaboration between Pakistan and China on economic, commercial and political spheres.

During the meeting the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister fondly recalled the historic visit of President Xi Jinping to Pakistan last year. Exchange of high level visits is a regular feature of the special relationship between Pakistan and China. Mr. Fatemi stressed the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has added a new dimension to Pakistan-China all weather partnership.

Fatemi and Yang discussed measures to enhance further collaboration between Pakistan and China on economic, commercial and political issues. They also discussed a range of regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Yang expressed China’s continued support for Pakistan’s membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The two countries will focus this year on greater cultural exchanges and deepen people-to-people contacts in the context of the 65 year celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Earlier, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi held consultations with his Chinese counterpart, Executive Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Zhang Yesui in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The consultations between the two sides covered a wide array of subjects including bilateral cooperation, CPEC, cooperation in multilateral fora as well as regional and global issues, says a press release received here today from Beijing.

Welcoming SAPM, Zhang reiterated the importance China attaches to its relations with Pakistan, which he described as unique. Expressing satisfaction over the growth in bilateral strategic ties, Mr. Zhang expressed China’s willingness to celebrate 2016 in a befitting manner, together with Pakistan, to mark the 65thanniversary of diplomatic relations.

The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister stated that the relationship between Pakistan and China was indeed special and time tested. He underscored Pakistan’s unswerving support to China on all issues pertaining to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mr. Zhang appreciated and thanked SAPM for Pakistan’s continued support to China and reaffirmed China’s strong support to Pakistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recalling the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April 2015, which further strengthened the strategic partnership between the two countries, the SAPM expressed full satisfaction that Pakistan and China had unanimity of views on regional and global issues. He underlined the significance of CPEC for enhancing connectivity and economic development as well as peace and stability of the region. Mr. Zhang agreed that CPEC was a flagship project of One Belt-One Road Initiative, which will help generate economic growth as well as promote peace and stability.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over their excellent cooperation at all multilateral fora and agreed to continue close cooperation with each other on all issues of mutual interest.

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Mr. Fatemi invited Vice Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan, which was accepted by him. =DNA