ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said on Saturday that the strategic cooperative relationship between Pakistan and China is an anchor for regional peace and stability.
In a meeting with a delegation of Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) led by Ambassador Lu Shumin at the Foreign Office in Islamabad during which they discussed major trends in Asian political scene and regional situation, the adviser said that friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
“Pakistan and China are time tested friends. This friendship is based on mutual trust and respect,” Sartaj Aziz said.
Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan adheres to One China Policy and supports China on all issues relating to its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity including Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong.
The adviser appreciated CPIFA and Islamabad Council of World Affairs’ (ICWA) contribution to enhancing better understanding between the two Countries.
The adviser said that the exchange of such delegations comprising senior experiences members strengthens people-to-people contacts especially among scholars, diplomats and distinguished citizens of the both countries and contributes to better relations between Pakistan and China.
The ambassador Lu Shumin briefed the adviser on the deliberations held with ICWA.
Lu Shumin condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and lauded the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan and its security forces in its fight against terrorism & extremism which has also helped maintain regional peace and stability. He also praised the peace of projects under CPEC.
The delegation is one a three-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Islamabad Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
The meeting was followed by lunch hosted by the Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
