Welcoming the Vice President, the President congratulated him on 70 years of establishment of People’s Republic of China. He underscored that Pakistan and China are linked by deep historical and cultural ties and highlighted that the ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ enjoys unanimous institutional and strong public support. He added that both countries support each other on issues of their core interest. Recalling Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to China in April 2019, the President said that it constituted an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations. The President lauded President Xi Jinping’s visionary Belt and Road (BRI) Initiative. He underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s national development and reiterated the resolve for its expeditious completion. The President also underscored the determination to further deepen economic and trade relations for mutual benefit. Expressing satisfaction at growing cultural ties between the two countries, the President stressed that people-to-people relations are bedrock of friendship between Pakistan and China as they augment bilateral engagements in other spheres of bilateral ties. The President also lauded China’s constructive role in promotion of peace and stability in the region. Views were also exchanged on recent developments in South Asia. Reciprocating the warm sentiments, Vice President Wang conveyed greetings of Chinese leadership and noted that the China-Pakistan relationship continued to grow from strength to strength. He emphasized that bilateral ties are rooted in mutual trust, mutual understanding and shared principles. He reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. The Vice President also expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral economic and cultural ties and assured China’s support in advancing Pakistan’s national development goals. He also appreciated the smooth progress of CPEC projects. The meeting was followed by a special investiture ceremony. In recognition of Vice-President Wang Qishan’s meritorious services to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship, the President conferred upon him Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award. ***
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