Chinese president pledges to enhance inter-party exchanges with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, April 20 -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged here on Monday to promote exchanges and cooperation between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Pakistani parties.

He made the remark when meeting with leaders of major Pakistani parties, including Asif Ali Zardari, former Pakistani president and co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party.

Noting that Pakistan is China's all-weather friend, Xi said the CPC highly values its friendly relations with the Pakistani parties and stands ready to carry out more exchange and cooperation with them.

"One of my Pakistani friends told me that all Pakistani parties support China-Pakistan friendship," said Xi, who is also General Secretary of CPC Central Committee.

"The China-Pakistan relationship cannot reach such a high level without the long-time support from them," he added.

As a neighbor and friend, Xi said, China sincerely hopes all Pakistani parties be united, coordinate with each other and jointly contribute to national stability, economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods.

"We are confident about Pakistan's future," he added.

Zardari, together with other leaders of Pakistani parties, said the Pakistani people believe Xi's visit will inject strong impetus into the development of bilateral ties.

They also thanked China for its support for the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will not only promote Pakistan's economic development and improve people's livelihoods, but will also be conducive to regional stability and common prosperity.

Xi arrived here on Monday for his first state visit to Pakistan.