Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has reiterated China’s firm support to Pakistan in defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate rights, saying his country had always regarded its relations with Pakistan as a priority in neighboring diplomacy.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan at Great Hall of the People in Beijing, he said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners.

Li Keqiang said China will continue to support Pakistan in not only its national development, but also regional and international affairs by helping it play a more active role.

He called for joint efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties to a new stage as the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries served both national and regional interests.

Premier Li also expressed satisfaction over the economic situation in Pakistan and vowed to offer it assistance.

Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasized that expeditious completion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects is the foremost priority of his government.

Premier Li was apprised of the actions undertaken recently to fast-track CPEC projects and to push the development momentum in Gawadar.

The two sides exchanged views on deepening bilateral trade and explored ways of increasing Pakistan’s exports to China.

Both the leaders agreed that the implementation of the second phase of China-Pakistan FTA will lead to more trade, economic and investment opportunities between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed regional security situation, including serious human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Briefing media after the meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Premier Li Keqiang, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui said both the Prime Minister agreed to further advance the development of their relations, and to step up exchanges and strategic coordination at various levels.

The Chinese vice foreign minister said the two sides also agreed to conduct the ninth meeting of the joint cooperation committee on CPEC next month in Pakistan on agreements on 27 projects to improve people's well being.

He said China highly commended Pakistan's unremitting efforts and huge sacrifices that it has made in fighting terrorism and supported Pakistan's effort to conduct anti-terrorism campaign to the very end.

He said the two sides also exchanged views on relations between Pakistan and India, besides Afghanistan and the situation in the Gulf area.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui said Prime Minister Imran Khan will also be meeting President Xi Jinping and Chairman of the National People's Congress on Wednesday (October 9, 2019), besides attending the closing ceremony of Beijing international Horticultural Exhibition 2019.