China supports Pakistan's security, development: premier

Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday China supports Pakistan in its efforts to realize national security, stability and economic development.

Meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by led by PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari, Li said China also supports Pakistan's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while hoping it can ensure the safety of Chinese projects and people there.

Li said China is ready to deepen strategic cooperation with Pakistan and forge their "common destiny".

He also vowed to work with Pakistan to build an economic corridor between the two countries, and promote the construction of the "One Belt and One Road" with countries in the region to push forward regional economic integration.

The "One Belt and One Road" refers to the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road", concepts put forward by Chinese President Xi during his visit to Central Asia and Southeast Asia respectively in 2013.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said political parties of both countries should strengthen their exchanges to promote the bilateral friendship and strategic cooperation.

Zardari said the Pakistan-China economic corridor is in construction. Pakistan is ready to consolidate the traditional friendship with China and expand cooperation, fight against terrorism and extremism, and maintain regional peace, stability and development.

The two sides also discussed global and regional issues of common concern.