Chinese state councilor holds talks with Pakistani FM

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif Monday in Beijing, vowing to promote relations between the two countries.

Wang commended the current momentum of bilateral relations and said China was ready to work with Pakistan to implement consensus reached by state leaders of the two countries and develop a closer strategic communication.

"China will continue to firmly support Pakistan's efforts in safeguarding its sovereignty, seeking development and maintaining a good external environment," said Wang.

He described the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as a precious treasure for both countries and an example of a new type of international relations.

Wang said the two sides had conducted smooth coordination under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) framework and were ready to work with other SCO members to forge the SCO into a platform to maintain regional stability and achieve common development.

Asif said Pakistan hoped to work with China to enhance exchanges at various levels and to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

He said Pakistan welcomed the informal meeting between leaders of China and India, and expected that the meeting could play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and improving relations. Enditem