In a joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang here, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to pursue people-centric policies that could mitigate poverty, promote social and economic development and diminish the roots of conflict.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed the strong commitment of his government to further promote and deepen the bilateral strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan. The Chinese leaders appreciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for choosing China as his first destination for his foreign visit. Nawaz Sharif underscored that the recent political transition in Pakistan was a historic development which would create political cohesion, social stability, and internal growth.

“It will also improve governance and lead to sound macro-economic management thus creating an enabling environment for foreign investment in Pakistan,” he observed.

The two sides reviewed with satisfaction the development of China-Pakistan relations and were of the view that this relationship had acquired growing strategic significance in the emerging dynamics of 21st century. Both sides decided to continue to deepen the Sino-Pakistan strategic partnership in the new era.

The two leaders appreciated that Asia was the engine of global economic growth and more than forty percent of the global population resided in this vibrant and dynamic region. A major urbanization and technological advancement was underway in this region which would unleash enormous potential for regional economic development.

Both countries decided to further deepen practical cooperation in all sectors and strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues. This has been agreed under the guiding principles of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed in April 2005 and on the basis of the existing close cooperation.

In addition to the above, China also reaffirmed that its relationship with Pakistan was always a matter of highest priority in its foreign policy, and it would continue to strengthen this strategic partnership.

China appreciated Pakistan’s long-term, staunch support on issues concerning China’s core interests.

China vowed to continue extending its full support to Pakistan in the latter’s efforts to uphold its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while respecting the development path chosen by the people according to its national priority, and support Pakistan in maintaining social stability and economic development.

Pakistan reiterated that friendship with China was the cornerstone of its foreign policy, enjoying a national consensus and appreciated the support and assistance of the Chinese government and people for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socio-economic development.

“Pakistan will continue to adhere to its one-China policy, oppose Taiwan and Tibet’s independence and support China’s efforts in combating the “Three Evils” of extremism, terrorism and separatism. We regard ETIM as our common threat and stand united in combating this menace,” Pakistani Prime Minister said.

The two sides believed that maintaining the tradition of frequent exchange of visits and meetings between their leadership and fully leveraging arrangements such as annual meetings between their leaders, is of great importance in advancing bilateral relations.

They also agreed to enhance the role of mechanisms such as Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, Strategic Dialogue and other consultative mechanisms between the relevant ministries and departments, so as to strengthen the strategic communication and coordination between the two countries.

The two countries reaffirmed that expanding bilateral economic relations was a matter of high priority and agreed that China was committed to realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation by accelerating the transformation of the pattern of economic development and earnestly pursuing the strategy to develop its western region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan expressed commitment to reviving the national economy and realizing its “Asian Tiger dream”. The development strategies of the two countries therefore coincided with each other.

Both sides decided to further strengthen the ties of pragmatic cooperation between them, with a view to translating their high-level political relationship into wider economic dividends. To this end, the two sides will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, mining, food security, environment, finance and other fields.

Both Pakistan and China agreed to fully implement the Additional Agreement to Extend the Five Year Development Programme on China - Pakistan Trade and Economic Cooperation and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement; fast track work on the projects identified under the Five Year Development Program; hold the second phase of tax-reduction negotiations of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement on speedy basis; further liberalize trade, and advance economic integration between them.

It was also resolved that enhancing connectivity between China and Pakistan is of great importance to expanding economic and trade cooperation, promoting economic integration, and fostering economic development of the two countries.

In order to develop the long-term Plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, both sides agreed to set up the Joint Cooperation Committee on the Long-Term Plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with the National Development and Reform Commission of China and the Planning and Development Ministry of Pakistan as leading ministries, and secretariats established in both ministries.

Ministerial officials of both countries held talks in Beijing recently. The Chinese side will dispatch a working group at an early date to Pakistan for further consultations.

The two leaders agreed to start work on the Long-term Plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on speedy basis. The plan will mainly include such areas of cooperation as connectivity construction, economic and technical cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and exchanges between local governments and organizations.

They agreed to focus on the following areas of cooperation in the near future under the framework of the Long-Term Plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: start the China-Pakistan Cross-border Fiber Optic Cable project at an appropriate time, upgrade and realign the Karakoram Highway on fast-track basis, explore cooperation on solar energy and biomass energy, explore construction of industrial parks along the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, launch at an early date inter-governmental consultations to implement the Digital Television Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB) in Pakistan, coordinate the commercial operation of TD-LTE in Pakistan, and enhance cooperation in the wireless broadband area.

It was agreed that both sides will support enterprises of the two countries in conducting cooperation on establishment of industrial zones in Gwadar.

The Chinese side agreed to support the efforts of the Government of Pakistan in addressing its urgent energy needs.

The two sides agreed to hold the third meeting of the China-Pakistan Joint Energy Working Group at an early date and deepen cooperation in conventional energy, renewable energy and other sources of energy.

China stressed that it will continue to encourage and support Chinese enterprises’ investment in Pakistan. The two sides agreed to speed up work on the China-Pakistan Agriculture Demonstration Zones.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif acknowledged that a great number of Chinese personnel working on various economic projects in Pakistan were contributing to Pakistan’s economic development and were an asset both to Pakistan as well as the region.

The Chinese side expressed its appreciation for the Pakistan’s efforts to ensure security of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan, and create good environment for deepening pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

They agreed to jointly carry out economic and technical cooperation in agriculture, health, education and public transport and other projects that benefit the people.

They agreed to deepen cooperation between their financial regulators and institutions, and support their financial institutions in setting-up representative offices, branches or subsidiaries, and carrying out business activities subject to relevant laws and regulations.

It was also agreed that both the countries would continue the implementation of the currency- swap agreement and enhance exchanges between young entrepreneurs, which will strengthen communication on trade and investment cooperation.

They believe that enlarging and deepening maritime cooperation between the two countries was of great importance and enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime security, search and rescue and disaster relief at sea, combating piracy, maritime scientific research, environmental protection, and blue economy.

Pakistan and China renewed their commitment to implement the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation signed between the two countries during Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Pakistan in May 2013.

Both sides reiterated the desire to implement the 2012-2020 Space Cooperation Outline between China National Space Administration and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission to further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in this field.

It was resolved that the two sides will take necessary measures to actively explore expanding air routes for passenger travel and cargo transportation, and increase the number of flights.

Both the dignitaries believe that infusing the narrative of Pakistan-China traditional friendship to coming generations would remain a priority.

In this regard, both sides acknowledged the important role of parliamentary institutions and agreed on the need to further strengthen parliamentary exchanges. They will maintain the exchange of youth delegations, and strengthen cooperation in the training of young cadres. Both sides decided to celebrate 2015 as China-Pakistan Year of Friendly Exchanges in a befitting manner.

To promote cultural and social ties, the two sides agreed to encourage their cities and provinces to establish twinning relationships.

Recognizing the eternal and abiding significance of commonly held values, flowing from the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and China, more Confucius Institutes will be established in Pakistan. Both sides will promote exchanges of scholars, academics and reinforce linkages in mass media.

The two sides believed that the exchanges and collaboration between the defense forces of China and Pakistan was an important pillar of their friendly relations.

They highly commended the China-Pakistan Defense and Security Consultations Mechanism, and will maintain the momentum of high-level visits between the armed forces of the two countries, deepen cooperation in counter-terrorism personnel training, joint training, equipment and technology, and exchanges between military academies, and identify new areas for exchanges and cooperation. The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in defense technology and production.

China and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to promoting multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation measures. Both believed that global disarmament measures should not be discriminatory.

They supported universal and non-discriminatory prohibition and destruction of all nuclear weapons and reiterated their opposition to the weaponization and an arms race in outer space.

The two sides supported multilateral cooperation mechanisms in Asia, and take a positive view of each other’s participation in regional and sub-regional cooperation processes.

Pakistan and China recognized that holding identical views on many international and regional issues of mutual interest, they would enhance close communication, while extending mutual support and collaboration in various multilateral fora including the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Istanbul Process.

It was stressed that both the states will enhance communication and cooperation on important global issues such as climate change, food and energy security and UN reform. China and Pakistan are committed to strengthening the solidarity and cooperation between developing countries and safeguarding their common interests.

The two sides believed that the evolving situation in Afghanistan has great implications for the regional security and stability. They emphasized that inclusive political reconciliation is a key step towards unity, peace and stability in Afghanistan. The two sides reaffirmed their support for the “Afghan-owned and Afghan-led” peace and reconciliation process, and will work with the regional countries and the international community to help Afghanistan achieve peace, stability and security.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.

It was also observed that in a short period of time, successive visit of Nawaz Sharif after Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Pakistan in May this year reflected the positive desire of both countries to further reinforce the existing brotherly and time-tested China-Pakistan relationship.