Xi meets Pakistani prime minister

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Beijing on Wednesday.

China has always viewed its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and long-term perspective and prioritized Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy, Xi told Sharif, who is on an official visit to China.

China appreciates Pakistan's firm will for friendly cooperation with China and appreciates its support on issues related to China's core and major concerns, Xi said.

China will firmly support Pakistan's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, development interests and national dignity, he said.

China sympathizes with the Pakistani people who have suffered from the devastating floods and will provide additional emergency assistance to help Pakistan in post-disaster reconstruction, Xi said.

Xi briefed Sharif on the important outcomes of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He pointed out that China will continue to adhere to the basic state policy of opening-up and continue to provide new opportunities to Pakistan and other countries with China's new development.

He called on the two sides to advance the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with greater efficiency and welcomed Pakistan to expand its export of high-quality agricultural products to China.

Sharif said it is a great honor to be one of the first foreign leaders invited to visit China after the landmark 20th CPC National Congress, which demonstrates the profound friendship between Pakistan and China.

Pakistan hopes to learn from China's successful state governance experience and deepen cooperation with China in various fields to advance its own development. This is the direction and only choice for Pakistan in the future, the prime minister said.

Pakistan will further strengthen security measures and spare no effort to protect the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan, Sharif said.