ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (INP) Chinese Ambassador Mr. Sun Weidong called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the PM’s House here Friday and discussed matters of mutual interest especially Pakistan-China relations.

Mr. Sun Weidong extended an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to attend the host-partners dialogue to be held during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing next month and looks forward to visiting Pakistan at an early and mutually convenient date.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude on receiving President Xi’s invitation and said that he also looks forward to President Xi’s early visit to Pakistan, which he believed will uplift Pakistan-China relations to a higher level.

Mr Nawaz Sharif spoke highly of the recent progress in Pakistan-China relations. He appreciated the timely support and assistance rendered by the Chinese government for the relief of IDPs as well as flood affected people. This, he said, showcased true friendship between the two countries.

Mr Nawaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan firmly supports China’s core interests and major concerns and is ready to work with China to keep building mutual trust, fast-tracking the construction of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and upgrading the bilateral cooperation so as to bring more benefit to the two peoples.

Ambassador Sun said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the all-weather and multi-dimensional strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, always regarding these ties as the priority of its foreign policy and will continue to promote friendship and substantive cooperation with Pakistan.

China, he said, wishes to maintain close coordination and collaboration with Pakistan to create a safe and sound environment for bilateral relations as well as for the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.

INP