The new government in Islamabad on Saturday assured Beijing that the multi-billion dollars economic corridor project will remain a priority for the country.

"China-Pakistan Economic Corridor [CPEC] is vital for socio-economic development of Pakistan and it will prove to be a game changer to the region," Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, during a joint news conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Islamabad.

Wang arrived on a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Friday, two days after U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo visited Islamabad.

Qureshi said the two sides have decided to initiate a strategic dialogue and further enhance bilateral economic relations.

Wang, for his part, said China would support Pakistan’s socioeconomic progress and development.

The Chinese foreign minister also appreciated Pakistan’s sacrifices in war on terror.

“We want peace in the world and Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices to bring peace in the region and the world should accept and respect it,” Wang said.

Earlier, Qureshi and Wang held a meeting and later chaired delegation-level talks.

Wang will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and other high officials during his stay in Islamabad.

By Islamuddin Sajid in Islamabad, Pakistan

Anadolu Agency

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