Pakistan to firmly support China on core interests: foreign secretary

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 21, 2017.(Xinhua/Li Tao)

Pakistan firmly supports China on issues concerning its core interests, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said when meeting with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi in Beijing Monday.

During their meeting, Yang said it is especially important for China and Pakistan to enhance strategic communication under current global and regional circumstances.

He called on both sides to maintain close high-level contacts, promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative, forge ahead cooperation in different areas and intensify coordination in multi-lateral organizations such as the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization, according to a press release issued after the meeting.

Janjua said Pakistan is committed to building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and would like to maintain close communication with China on major international and regional issues, the press release said.

Janjua was appointed as Pakistan's foreign secretary in February, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.