Headlines
Pakistan stood by us when China stood isolated: Xi
Islamabad, April 21
Islamabad stood by Beijing
at a time when it stood isolated on the world stage, said visiting
Chinese President Xi Jinping during his address to a joint session of
Pakistan's parliament on Tuesday.
Xi extended best wishes to the
"brotherly people of Pakistan" on behalf of the 1.3 billion people of
China, Dawn online reported. He said Islamabad stood by Beijing at a
time when it stood isolated on the world stage.
Xi is the first
Chinese president to address a joint sitting of parliament. He arrived
in Islamabad on Monday on his maiden visit to Pakistan. The
much-anticipated visit is the first by a Chinese president after nine
years.
"Pakistan and China's struggles have brought their hearts and minds together," he said.
He
said Beijing and Islamabad have been of tremendous support to one
another, adding both countries have stood by each other in times of
need.
He also referred to the assistance offered by the two countries to one another in the events of natural disasters.
"Pakistan
is the first foreign country that I visited this year and (it is my)
first visit to your country, but Pakistan is not at all unfamiliar to
me," he said.
He also lauded Islamabad's anti-terror efforts, saying Pakistan had shown great character and courage in the face of adversity.
The
joint session was attended by Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, chief
ministers, governors, service chiefs, diplomats and other important
personalities.
Pakistan and China on Monday signed 51 agreements
and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in diverse fields
with the chinese president scheduled to unveil a $45-billion investment
plan that can help Pakistan end its chronic energy crisis and transform
it into a regional economic hub.