Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli meets with Pakistan Muslim League-N delegation headed by Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, chief minister of Punjab, in Beijing on July 25. [Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli met with Pakistan’s Muslim League-N delegation headed by Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, chief minister of Punjab, in Beijing on July 25.

Since President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in April last year, the China-Pakistan strategic cooperative partnership has maintained a good momentum, with frequent high-level visits and pragmatic cooperation in all fields, said Zhang. China appreciates Pakistan’s firm support on the South China Sea issue, and the Communist Party of China is willing to maintain long-term friendship with Pakistan’s Muslim League-N, and exchange information on state governance through high-level visits.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. China is willing to work with Pakistan in the construction of a China-Pakistan economic corridor to achieve mutual development and win-win results, and bring benefits to people while consolidating our common destiny, the vice-premier added.

Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep condolences for China’s recent floods and donated 10,000 tons of rice on behalf of Pakistan to the stricken areas. The relationship between the two parties has reached a new level, and Pakistan will take all measures to strengthen cooperation with China and promote the construction of a China-Pakistan economic corridor, he said.