China on Tuesday called on the international community to fairly and justly see Pakistan’s endeavours and contributions in countering terrorism, and step up dialogue and cooperation with the country.
“We commend the Pakistani government’s and people’s efforts in fighting terrorism and extremism and their great endeavours and sacrifices to this end,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told reporters during a briefing.
He said Prime Minister Imran Khan recently attended the second BRF in China and met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Vice President Wang Qishan, while both sides also signed many bilateral cooperation documents.
He stressed that Pakistan was China’s all weather strategic cooperative partner, and the two countries “firmly support each other on the issues concerning our core interests”. “Pakistan is always one of China’s diplomatic priorities. No matter how the international and regional situation may evolve, we firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity, independently choosing its development path based on its own conditions, securing a sound external environment and playing a constructive role in international and regional affairs,” the spokesman said.
He said the two countries would continue to deepen their high-level exchanges and support each other, besides stepping up strategic coordination, making more coordinated efforts in international and regional affairs and deepening their all-weather strategic cooperation.
To a question regarding Masood Azhar, he said China had expressed its position many times. “First, we support the listing issue being settled within the 1267 Committee through dialogue and consultation, and I believe this is the consensus of most members. Second, the relevant consultations are going on within the committee and have achieved some progress. Third, I believe, with the joint efforts of all parties, this issue can be properly resolved.”
He said China was in contact with all relevant parties on the issue and would continue to engage in the discussion.