CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN AND CHINESE PREMIERS HAVE A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION ON EVE OF 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
|
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held telephonic talks on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China on May 20 and reaffirmed their resolve to further diversify and deepen strategic cooperation between the all-weather allies. State-run Radio Pakistan reported that they discussed bilateral relations and COVID-19 vaccine cooperation. He thanked China for providing assistance to the National Institute of Health (NIH) for establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility in Pakistan, saying, “this will further solidify Pakistan’s efforts to combat COVID-19”. The two leaders also discussed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Imran Khan said the project has generated economic activity, employment and will further enhance bilateral and regional trade. He emphasised that Pakistan and China have transformed their relationship into an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” through their collective and tireless efforts over the years. He also congratulated the Chinese leadership for successful landing of Chinese spacecraft on Mars, saying this showed the rising technological prowess of China. During the talks, Imran Khan stressed the need to continue with the momentum of high level exchanges to further diversify and deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
|