Long-lasting friendship with Pakistan will deepen

Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called for efforts to maintain and develop the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan in order to further promote the long-lasting friendship between the two nations.

Li made the remark in a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Both leaders exchanged views about international cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friday marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan, and President Xi Jinping and his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi will exchange congratulatory messages, according to Li.

Li said the two countries should maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication and intensify mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

As the pandemic still rages globally, he said that in facing the virus, the common enemy of humankind, the international community should join hands and cooperate further in response to these challenges.

China is ready to provide support within its capabilities to Pakistan in combating the virus, he added.

The Pakistani prime minister said his country wants to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and move forward the countries' strategic cooperation, including deepening anti-epidemic cooperation with China.