ISLAMABAD - China appreciates Pakistan’s valuable support on issues concerning its core interests and stands ready to work with Pakistan to lift bilateral ties to a new height, visiting Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said here Friday.

During a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chang hailed the all-weather friendship and all-around cooperation between the two countries as a good example for international relationships.

With stronger desires for cooperation and broader public support, China and Pakistan have deepened political mutual trust in recent years, said Chang.

Building the China-Pakistan economic corridor is an important consensus reached by leaders of the two nations, which will play a leading and exemplary role for the construction of the Silk Road economic belt as well as the maritime Silk Road, said the Chinese minister.

For his part, Sharif said the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China has stood the test of time and is witnessing more progress in all cooperation fields.

The China-Pakistan economic corridor will not only benefit the two peoples, but also promote the economic and social development of countries in South Asia and Central Asia, he added.

Pakistan appreciates China’s development aid and its support for the country’s military and China’s moral and material support for Pakistan’s efforts in combatting terrorism, said the prime minister.

Pakistan firmly adheres to the “one-China” policy and stands ready to strengthen security cooperation with China in the fight against terrorism and separatism, said Sharif.

With joint efforts, friendly cooperation between the two countries and armies will be further promoted, he said.

Chang arrived here early Thursday for an official visit.