On July 10 local time, President Xi Jinping met in Ufa of Russia with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China highly values developing relations with Pakistan and always prioritizes China-Pakistan relations in its foreign policy. We will join efforts with Pakistan to enrich the connotation of China-Pakistan community of common destiny and make it play an exemplary role in building common destiny communities between China and its neighboring countries.

Xi Jinping stressed that as an important part of Belt and Road initiative, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor concerns the long-term development of the two countries. Since my visit to Pakistan this April, a large number of projects have been officially launched or constructed, which marks that the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has entered the implementation stage. We should closely cooperate and well conduct the following implementation work. China firmly supports Pakistan’s efforts in safeguarding national security and will continue offering support and help for Pakistan to enhance relevant capacity building.

Xi Jinping noted that the procedure for Pakistan’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been started during the Ufa Summit. China welcomes Pakistan to join the SCO and will keep close cooperation with Pakistan under the SCO framework. China appreciates the efforts of Pakistan in promoting the peace process of Afghanistan and will work with Pakistan to play a constructive role in the early realization of national reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.

Nawaz Sharif expressed that Pakistan cherishes its relations with China and is grateful for China’s long-term and vigorous support and help. During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan this April, both sides reached a series of important consensus. Pakistan is willing to join efforts with China to implement the consensus swiftly and carry out relevant cooperation projects as soon as possible. Pakistan supports the Belt and Road initiative and backs the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund, and will take an active part in relevant cooperation. As Pakistan and China share common interests in safeguarding regional security and stability, Pakistan will work with China to this end, and it is also willing to join efforts with China to advance the peace process of Afghanistan. Pakistan will intensify coordination and cooperation with China within the SCO framework as well.

Both leaders also exchanged views on other international and regional issues of common concern.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the meeting.