China has congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections steadily and smoothly.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry hoped that the political parties in Pakistan could work together to form a new government after the Feb 8 polls.

“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” Mao Ning said during her briefing which resumed after a 10-day pause in the wake of the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival holidays.

As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold political solidarity and social stability after the elections, she added.

According to Ning, China and Pakistan were all-weather strategic cooperative partners and China hoped to work with Pakistan to build on the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation in various areas, and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

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Responding to a question regarding a delay in the formation of a government, she said that the Chinese side noted that the election was generally steady and smooth and China respected the choice of Pakistani people.

“As to the situation you mentioned, we believe the relevant parties in Pakistan can stick to solidarity and work together to solve relevant issues,” she added.