BEIJING — Pakistan firmly supports China on issues concerning its core interests, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said when meeting with State Councilor Yang Jiechi in Beijing on Aug 21.

During their meeting, Yang said it is especially important for China and Pakistan to enhance strategic communication under current global and regional circumstances.

He called on both sides to maintain close high-level contacts, promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative, forge ahead cooperation in different areas and intensify coordination in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization, according to a news release issued after the meeting.

Janjua said Pakistan is committed to building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and would like to maintain close communication with China on major international and regional issues, the news release said.

Janjua was appointed as Pakistan’s foreign secretary in February, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.