(INP): China highly appreciates the outcome of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Beijing, hoping that it would open new avenues of bilateral cooperation.

A spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Geng Shuang told reporters here on Tuesday that Imran Khan participated in the Belt and Road Forum and had meetings with Chinese top leaders.

The Prime Minister had fruitful meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Chairman Wang Qishan. The two sides also signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents such as the “Protocol on Amending the Free Trade Agreement”.

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan is China’s all-weather strategic partner. In the words of Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said China and Pakistan are “iron buddies.”

Geng Shuang added, “China has always placed Pakistan in the priority direction of China’s diplomacy.

As a “hardcore” friend, the two sides have always firmly supported each other on issues involving core interests.

Regardless of the changes in the international situation, we firmly support the Pakistani side in safeguarding national sovereignty and national dignity, supporting the Pakistanis to choose their own development path according to their national conditions, supporting the country to strive for a good external security environment. We also support the Pakistan in international and regional affairs for a constructive role.

The Chinese side appreciates the Pakistani government and people’s resolute fight against terror and extremism, as well as the tremendous efforts and sacrifices made to this end.

We call on the international community to treat Pakistan’s efforts and contributions in the field of counter-terrorism objectively and fairly, and to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the Pakistani side.

In the next stage, China is willing to deepen high-level exchanges and mutual support with Pakistan, strengthen strategic communication, promote high-quality development of cooperation in various fields within the framework of building a Belt and Road, and coordinate and cooperate closely in international affairs. All-weather strategic cooperation continues to push deeper.”