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.

IANS