Beijing, May 20th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Ishaq Dar, Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. 

Liu said, China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. China always prioritizes Pakistan in its foreign policy. China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain high-level exchanges and strategic communication, deepen cooperation in areas such as high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and promote the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. China firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, combating terrorism, jointly maintaining regional peace and stability, and promoting common development. 

Liu said, the CPC has maintained a long-term friendly relationship with the PML-N, and is willing to further strengthen exchanges between the two sides, deepen mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, promote exchanges between think tanks, media, and youth, enhance mutual understanding, and continuously consolidate the public opinion foundation for China-Pakistan friendship. 

Dar said, the friendship between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. The unbreakable ironclad friendship between the two sides has withstood the test of international vicissitudes. He thanked the CPC, the Chinese government and Chinese people for their long-term valuable support for Pakistan's economic and social development, and thanked China for speaking up for Pakistan in international affairs. Pakistan values peace and is committed to promoting economic development. However, Pakistan will respond resolutely to any infringement upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Pakistani side fully supports the three major global initiatives and other major propositions proposed by President Xi Jinping and will closely cooperate with China to fully promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The PML-N is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC. 

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the conflict between Pakistan and India. Liu said, China welcomes the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Dar thanked China for its mediation efforts to achieve the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and expressed willingness to maintain close communication with China on this matter. 

Sun Haiyan, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, Pakistani Ambassador to China, and others were present.