1st LD: China, Pakistan will always stand together, move forward together: President Xi

China and Pakistan will always move forward together and the Chinese people will always stand together with the Pakistani people, President Xi Jinping said Tuesday while addressing the joint sitting of Pakistan's parliament.

Describing Pakistan as China's "dependable" friend, Xi stressed that the bilateral ties are based on mutual trust and support.

The two countries should support each other's core interests, Xi said, noting that China firmly backs Pakistan's territorial integrity.

Xi praised Pakistan's anti-terror effort, saying that Pakistan has always stood at the frontlines in the fight against terrorism and has made huge sacrifices to that end.

Meanwhile, Xi said China supports Pakistan's constructive role on the Afghan issue.

Speaking of the relationship between China and South Asia, Xi said China is the largest neighbor of South Asian countries, and a peaceful and stable South Asia conforms to China's interests.

Xi arrived in Islamabad Monday for his first state visit to Pakistan, an important neighbor that Beijing has long described as an "iron friend."

He will leave for Indonesia later Tuesday to attend the Asian-African Summit and activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Endi