Pakistan stands by China over Coronavirus outbreak: President

Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi Monday said that he was undertaking a two-day visit to China on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping where he would express solidarity with the people of China who had fought the Coronavirus epidemic.

During a brief media talk prior to his departure to China, the president said China wanted to thank Pakistan for expressing solidarity during the Coronavirus epidemic and the way Pakistan as a brother trusted them for taking care of the Pakistanis residing there.

“I am visiting China to express solidarity with the Chinese people and to express condolences over loss of lives,” he added.

The president, accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Minister for Development Asad Umar, said that they would also get input from the Chinese experiences in handling the situation.

President Alvi said his visit to China was meant to express solidarity on Covid-19 epidemic and also learn from Chinese experience to effectively handle the situation.

“The way, China has fought the Coronavirus is an example for the world and Pakista would also like to get an input about it,” the president said prior to his departure to China on a two-day official visit.

President Alvi said his delegation, comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Planning Minister Asad Umar, was visiting China on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He said the visit was aimed at conveying strong support and solidarity of Pakistan towards the government and the people of China while Beijing made resolute efforts to containing and dealing with the spread of Covid-19.

Dr Alvi said China also wanted to thank Pakistan for trusting on it “like a brother” during the situation.

Earlier, the Foreign Office in a statement said the visit would play an important role in further solidifying the historic bonds of trust and mutual support between the two “iron brothers”.

“It will also serve as an opportunity for the leadership of the two countries to review bilateral, regional and international issues and to advance the shared goals of promoting peace, prosperity and development in the region and beyond,” it said.

The statement added that Pakistan and China are the closest friends and staunch partners, joined through an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership”.

“This time-tested friendship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests. The leadership of both countries is fully committed to building closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era,” the Foreign Office said.