China, Pakistan reiterate demand for 2-state solution to Palestine issue

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - China and Pakistan reiterated Saturday that the fundamental way out of the current crisis in the Gaza Strip lies in a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestine state.

"The resolution adopted by the UN Security Council is legally binding, and should be enforced effectively to achieve an unconditional and lasting ceasefire immediately," said a joint statement issued following the conclusion of a five-day visit to China by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The two sides urged the international community to increase political input into the Palestinian question with a "greater sense of urgency, stepping up efforts to facilitate the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, and strive for enduring peace."

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, the need for the resolution of all outstanding disputes and their opposition to any unilateral action.

Pakistan briefed China on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. And China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

The two sides jointly advocated an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

"Both sides opposed hegemony, domineering and bullying, exclusionist approaches, opposed power politics, as well as unilateralism in all forms," said the statement.

- Cooperation on Afghanistan

The two agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on the Afghanistan issue.

They called for concerted efforts of the international community to positively support Afghanistan in properly addressing "challenges in such areas as humanitarianism and economic development, encourage the interim government of Afghanistan to build an inclusive political framework, adopt moderate policies, pursue good-neighborliness, and firmly combat terrorism, including not allowing its territory to be used for terrorist acts."

Both agreed to play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community.

Pakistan and China signed 23 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), agriculture, infrastructure, industrial cooperation, inter-governmental development assistance, market regulation, surveying and mapping, media, film and other areas.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China's territory, and that Pakistan supports the Chinese government’s effort to achieve national reunification and opposes any form of “Taiwan independence.”

"Pakistan firmly supports China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea," it said.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations with a “zero tolerance” attitude, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism

After the "successful" first decade of the CPEC, the two sides are committed to carrying out the eight major steps for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, forging an “upgraded version” of CPEC by jointly building a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, aligning with Pakistan’s 5Es Framework -- Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity & Empowerment -- to better benefit the two countries and their peoples, working together to build CPEC into an exemplary project of high-quality building of Belt and Road cooperation.

Recognizing the significance of the Gwadar Port as an important node in cross-regional connectivity, the two sides were satisfied that the New Gwadar International Airport will soon be completed, and reiterated the need to speed up the development of the auxiliary infrastructure of the Gwadar Port to fully realize the potential of the coastal city, especially as a transshipment hub with a shipyard.