ISLAMABAD, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has given an economic and social development dimension to Pak-China relations.
Addressing the Friends of Silk Road Forum here, Qureshi said that the second phase of CPEC with a focus on industrial and socio-economic cooperation has started and will bring prosperity and progress to local communities, and pave the way for enhancing Pakistan's development.
"Pakistan and China believe in promoting collective dialogue, deepening practical cooperation and working together towards a stronger and prosperous world with a shared future in the new era. Both our countries jointly endorse the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind," Qureshi added.
Talking about Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Qureshi said that the visit has paved the way for stronger collaboration between the two countries.
He added that his country is committed to working together with China to leverage their respective strengths and to enrich Pakistan-China strategic cooperative partnership, for the benefit of the Chinese and Pakistani peoples and the rest of the world.
The foreign minister also said that the Pakistani government is focusing on poverty alleviation, industrial development, education, technological and scientific innovation and agricultural development.
Expressing his views about Pak-China friendship, Qureshi said that the two countries are the most reliable and trusted partners and friends. "Friendship between our two countries is firmly rooted in shared values, experiences, objectives and aspirations of peace, harmony and shared prosperity."
Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan also attended the forum. Wang arrived in Islamabad on Sunday for his three-day visit from May 26 to 28.