Islamabad's friendship with Beijing 'cornerstone of our foreign policy': Pak Prez

Islamabad [Pakistan], July 9 (ANI): Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Islamabad's friendship with China is the "cornerstone" of their foreign policy and this strategic partnership serves as an anchor for regional peace and stability. President Hussain made these remarks during his meeting with Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang on Saturday. He said that Pakistan and China are 'Iron Brothers', strategic partners and good neighbours. President Hussain also emphasised on maintaining the momentum of high-level bilateral exchanges and enhance people-to-people contact between the two sides. He said, the use of modern technology in the CPEC related energy projects would alleviate the energy crisis in Pakistan and play a key role in the country's long-term growth. Pakistan's Science and Technology Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong and other senior officials were also present in the meeting. The President said that bilateral cooperation in the field of Science and Technology is progressing well and hoped that the decisions taken during this visit will enhance the cooperation in this important area. "We are also interested in benefitting from China's ambitious China-South Asian Countries Science and Technology Partnership Programme (CSA-STEP) and enhance our economic cooperation through Technology Transfer," he said. President Hussain expressed satisfaction over 17 protocols that have been concluded so far in accordance with the Framework Agreement on Science and Technology signed between the two countries in 1976 and the 18th Protocol is being signed during this visit. He underscored that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the latest example of excellent economic cooperation between the two sides. President Hussain further said that Pakistan would continue to focus on further enhancing trade relations with China to bring them at par with bilateral political and strategic relations. The Chinese Minister said that China and Pakistan have a long history of working together in various fields including science and Technology. He offered to Cooperate in all sectors where Pakistan needs Chinese support including Maritime industry, Biodiversity, renewable energy, establishment of joint scientific labs for the young scientists and working together for the climate change for benefit of entire humanity. (ANI)