Premier Li Keqiang held talks with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Nov 3 in Beijing.

China and Pakistan are good neighbors and friends, whose friendship is embedded in the people of the two countries, the Premier said at the meeting.

As all-weather strategic partners, China and Pakistan share political mutual trust and cooperation in various areas, with mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests.

President Xi Jinping has met with the prime minister of Pakistan before and they exchanged opinions over bilateral relations, Premier Li noted.

China always puts Pakistan as a priority of its diplomatic strategy, the Premier said. During the visit, the two sides will publish a joint declaration on enhancing the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership and the community of a shared future, which will release signals of their commitment to stronger ties.

Substantial progress has been made in recent years between China and Pakistan in Belt and Road cooperation, the Premier said. Projects carried out for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have been fully confirmed, and are in line with commercial principles and profitable. China is willing to accelerate the construction of the corridor with Pakistan on the basis of openness and transparency, to bring benefits to the people of both countries.

China appreciates Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard corridor construction and staff on the Chinese side and hopes the efforts can be strengthened. China stands ready to import more premium products from Pakistan and facilitate market access, and enhance cooperation in finance, agriculture, and fisheries.

China wants to see a stable and developing Pakistan, and is willing to provide help if its capability allows, for the region’s peace and prosperity.

For his part, Khan hailed the deepening all-weather strategic partnership with China and the sturdy relations between the governments and people of the two sides. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been changed from an idea to reality. Pakistan sees the corridor as a major opportunity that has greatly contributed to Pakistanis’ well-being and Pakistan’s economy and society.

He expressed Pakistan’s resolution to push forward corridor construction and protect the security of Chinese staff. Pakistan appreciates the strong support given by China during its hard times, and will always be China’s trustworthy friend.

As China has made great achievements over the past 40 years, Pakistan is willing to learn from its experience to boost its own reform. Pakistan will deepen pragmatic cooperation with China in all areas and intensify communication at each level to boost their ties, Khan added.

After the meeting, Premier Li and Khan witnessed the signing of a batch of agreements on scientific research, justice, poverty relief, healthcare and customs.

Before the meeting, Premier Li held a welcoming ceremony for Khan at the Great Hall of the People.