ISLAMABAD, SEPT 08 (DNA) – Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, called on President Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President Arif Alvi warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit  to Pakistan and felicitated him on the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He reiterated that China was Pakistan’s closest friend, staunch partner and iron brother.

President Arif Alvi briefed Foreign Minister Wang Yi on India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August which were aimed at changing the internationally recognized disputed status of J&K as well as its demographic structure and identity.

The President stressed that the inhuman lockdown continuing for 35 days had imposed unspeakable suffering on the people of IOJ&K and created a dire humanitarian situation which needed to be addressed urgently.

He urged that the curfew, affecting nine million people, should be lifted allowing the suppressed people to at least meet their very basic needs.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi thanked President for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.

He underscored that China had opposed any unilateral steps which complicated the situation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national dignity.

Both sides reiterated that CPEC had entered a new phase of high-quality development and agreed to continue to firmly push forward the construction of CPEC, complete its on-going projects, and realize its full potential by focusing on socio-economic development, job creation, poverty alleviation, industrialization, and agriculture.

The commitment of the two sides of honoring the tradition of Pakistan and China supporting each others’ respective core national interest was reaffirmed.

The visit provided a strong impetus to further deepen and reinforce the time-tested friendship between both Pakistan and China and provided an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication and coordination between the two countries.=DNA

============