BEIJING, Aug 09 (INP): Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, calling for settlement of issue on the basis of relevant UN resolutions.

This he stated here on Friday during his meeting with the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Wang Yi noted that China is seriously concerned about the latest escalation of tensions in Kashmir. The Kashmir issue is a dispute left from the colonial history.

“It should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreement. China believes that unilateral actions that will complicate the situation should not be taken,” he added.

Wang Yi went on adding that as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, China and Pakistan have understood and supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests.

This is a good tradition that should be cherished by the two sides. China will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and uphold justice for Pakistan on the international arena.

Wang Yi also noted that Pakistan and India are both China’s friendly neighbors and major developing countries that are in a crucial stage of development. We call on the two sides to proceed from their national development and peace in South Asia, properly resolve historical grievances, get rid of the zero-sum mindset, avoid unilateral action and seek a new path to peaceful coexistence.

Wang Yi had talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi who paid an urgent visit to China.

Qureshi briefed the Chinese side on Pakistan’s observations, position and measures in response to the latest development of the situation in Kashmir.

China is Pakistan’s friend that has long been trusted, and that friendship between Pakistan and China is rock solid, he added.

Qureshi said he believes China will stand up for justice on the Kashmir issue. Pakistan will continue to resolutely support China’s just position on issues concerning China’s core interests. The Pakistani side will continue to advance China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, he added.

While commenting on China's declaration, backing Pakistan's stand on Kashmir issue, diplomatic sources said in Islamabad, it was for the first time in the history that China accepted the Kashmiris' demand giving them their right, as per the UN's relevant resolutions. It is a big diplomatic victory of Pakistan as well, at a time when India unilaterally changed the status of Kashmir.

INP/J/SB