ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe here on Tuesday.
Noting that Pakistan and China are trustworthy dear brothers and partners with a friendship of long history, Alvi said Pakistan will continue to support China on issues related to South China Sea, Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet and his country hopes to work with China to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the construction of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, and sectors including defense and security.
Khan said that Wei’s visit amid the pandemic is of significance and reflects the support from the Chinese government and military towards Pakistan.
China’s success in fighting against the pandemic is unparalleled and its efforts in poverty alleviation is unprecedented in human history, said the prime minister.
He said the two countries should carry out more comprehensive and closer strategic cooperation so as to lift the “Iron Brothers” ties to a new height.
For his part, Wei said the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is unique in the world.
Under the leaderships of the two countries, said Wei, both sides have strengthened cooperation in various aspects and firmly supported each other on issues involving their core interests.
China is willing to improve strategic communication, strengthen mutual strategic trust and enhance strategic coordination with Pakistan in order to lift the relationship between the two militaries to a higher level.
China, in the meantime, is keen to jointly cope with risks and challenges with Pakistan, firmly safeguard the sovereignty and security interests of both countries and maintain regional peace and stability, Wei said.
During his visit, Wei also met with Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Nadeem Raza and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, exchanging opinions in international and regional situation, bilateral states and military relations and cooperation in defense equipment and technology.
Nepal : Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli met with visiting State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe in Kathmandu on Nov 29, and both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and military cooperation.
During the meeting with Wei Fenghe, Bhandari extended congratulations on China’s success in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President also expressed appreciation over China’s firm support for Nepal’s economic development and social stability, saying Nepal is willing to work with China to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields including defense while actively participating in the construction under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The friendly cooperation between Nepal and China has been both comprehensive and deep-rooted since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties 65 years ago, said Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who is also the defense minister, during his meeting with Wei Fenghe.
Oli said that he believes that military cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened after Wei’s visit.
For his part, Wei said relations between China and Nepal were upgraded to a strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal last year.
He praised Nepal’s upholding of the One-China policy and also voiced China’s firm support for Nepal in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China will maintain close communication and deepen pragmatic cooperation with Nepal while providing continuous assistance and support for the construction of the Nepali military to make greater contribution to the regional peace and stability and the benefit of the two peoples, Wei said.
During his visit on Nov 29, Wei also met with Nepalese Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa.
