ISLAMABAD; Oct 17 (DNA): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan “firmly supports China’s core interests and major concerns” and is ready to work with China to keep building mutual trust, the PM office said.

The Prime Minister told Chinese Ambassador Mr. Sun Weidong in Islamabad that Pakistan also wants fast-tracking the construction of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor and upgrading the bilateral cooperation so as to bring more benefit to the two peoples.

Mr. Sun Weidong extended invitation from the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Prime Minister 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, the PM office said. He also said the Chinese President looks forward to visiting Pakistan at an early and mutually convenient date.

“The Prime Minister 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,” a statement from the PM office said. This, he said, showcased true friendship between the two countries.

Nawaz Sharif 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.

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.

Both discussed matters of mutual interest especially Pakistan-China relations, the statement said. DNA