ISLAMABAD, Sep 08 (INP): Pakistan and China have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and to maintain close communication on regional and global issues.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while addressing the joint news conference along with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Islamabad on Saturday said Pak-China friendship has political, institutional and popular support in both countries.

He said Pakistan is eager to collaborate with China on CPEC which is fastest growing project of One Belt One Road initiative.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said his Chinese counterpart has extended an invitation for official visit to Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, to participate in international import-export expo as Chinese guest.

He said “We made substantive progress on CPEC and reassured the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister that CPEC has immense importance for Pakistan and it is priority of the government”.

He said priorities of our government were discussed in the meeting including eradication of poverty job creation and rooting out corruption. He said I assured that security of Chinese Officials is our priority.

Foreign Minister said his Chinese counterpart emphasized that his country fully supports Pakistan's efforts in fight against terrorism and acknowledges Pakistan's sacrifices.

He said Wang Yi also urged international community to appreciate Pakistan's role in countering terrorism which is a global problem.

In his remarks on the occasion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described his meeting with Shah Mehmood Qureshi very positive.

He said his country desires to further strengthen strategic partnership with Pakistan. He said we will continue cooperation with Pakistan in every field.

Wang Yi said both countries agreed to advance peace in Afghanistan.

INP/OBD/AJ