China's top legislator meets Paknistani Deputy Speaker

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress (NPC) and Ji Bingxuan, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, met Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Murtaza Javed Abbasi, who is currently on a visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 15, 2016.

Zhang and Ji termed Pakistan and China as "Iron Friends" and "All Weather Strategic Partners." They commended Pakistan's 'One China Policy' and its consistent support on issues of concern to China. The Chinese side reiterated its understanding and support for Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue and expressed support for developmental initiatives of the Government of Pakistan.

During the meetings, Abbasi termed friendly relations with China as a key priority for Pakistan. He expressed the hope that frequent parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts would further strengthen this historically robust bilateral relationship. He reiterated Pakistan's longstanding 'One China Policy' and expressed appreciation of China's stance onthe South China Sea issue.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and expressed satisfaction on the progress of ongoing projects. Abbasi highlighted the complete consensus in Pakistan on the importance of CPEC and on Pakistan-China relations. The two sides agreed on the need for frequent parliamentary exchanges at the various levels with the aim to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. They also decided to set up joint parliamentary groups in areas of mutual interest.

Deputy Speaker Abbasi is leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation to China on the invitation of Chairman, NPC. The visit is a part of regularparliamentary exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries.