Islamabad, September 15, 2016: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Mr. Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People, according to a message received from Beijing, China.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridors (CPEC). It was underscored that the CPEC was to the benefit of the two countries as well as for the entire region.

The Speaker said that China is a great country and a time tested friend of Pakistan. We are truly proud to be such a devoted friend from generation to generation, he added. He expressed the hope that frequent parliamentary exchanges and people to people contacts would further strengthen the historically robust relationship. He highlighted the complete political consensus in Pakistan on the importance of the CPEC and on Pakistan-China relation.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also briefed his Chinese counterpart on the current situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and emphasized on the need for a peaceful settlement of this longstanding dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Mr. Zhang Dejiang, Chairman Standing Committee of the NPC termed Pakistan and China as “All Weather Strategic Partners” and expressed support for the initiatives undertaken by the Government of Pakistan for Socio- Economic development. He also stated his understanding of Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute.

The two sides on the need for the frequent parliamentary exchange at various levels to have parliamentary oversight over the CPPEC projects as well as to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries in different areas.

Later on the Speaker also attended a dinner hosted by Madam Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the people.