Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), has praised the Pakistan Army for its efforts in ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan, according to the military’s media wing.
This commendation followed an official visit by the Chinese minister to Pakistan, where he met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.
During their meeting, the Chinese minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability, particularly highlighting the support provided by the Pakistan Armed Forces for the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in the country, according to the ISPR.
The discussions between Liu and General Munir covered topics of mutual interest, focusing on regional peace and stability, as well as progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar project.
General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to its strategic partnership with China and pledged full support for the successful implementation of CPEC, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Liu Jianchao noted that his visit to Pakistan follows successful meetings between the leadership of both nations in China. He emphasized the importance of the long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the progress made on CPEC, reiterating China’s commitment to its timely completion.
Chinese investment and financial support have significantly benefited Pakistan’s struggling economy since 2013, including the rolling over of loans to help Islamabad meet its external financing needs amid critically low foreign reserves. Beijing has invested over $65 billion in road, infrastructure, and development projects under CPEC as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Earlier in the day, Liu Jianchao co-chaired the third meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) on CPEC with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the meeting, he urged Pakistani political leaders to overcome their differences, emphasizing that internal stability is crucial for national development.
“In a turbulent world of rising uncertainties, stability within the country is essential for development. Faced with complex internal and external challenges, Pakistan is navigating carefully through turbulent rivers,” Liu remarked.
Leaders from major political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), attended the event.
