Love Aaj Kal: ‘All-Weather Friend’ Lauds Pakistan’s ‘Quest For Peace’ With India Amid Usual Jargon, Political Niceties

China, during the first bilateral visit of newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, has said that it appreciates Pakistan’s “quest for peace” with India and also supports the settlement of outstanding disputes between the two countries, The Indian Express has reported.

Khan is on his first visit to China after swearing in as Prime Minister to discuss bilateral issues as well as seek new loans as Pakistani foreign reserves, since the start of the year, have seen a steep downfall of 42 per cent.

A joint statement was released after Khan had talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

“China appreciates Pakistan’s quest for peace through dialogue, cooperation and negotiation, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and supports Pakistan’s efforts for improvement of Pakistan-India relations and for settlement of outstanding disputes between the two countries.” said the statement.

In the joint statement, China also expressed its support to Pakistan’s push for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership, which controls nuclear trade at a global level.

The statement, without naming India, called for resolving the region’s outstanding disputes through dialogue.

China, while lauding the “commitment” and “efforts” of Pakistan to counter terrorism and terror financing, urged the international community to “objectively and fairly” assess Pakistan’s efforts.