Pakistan closer to joining summit amid China support

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016.  [Photo/Xinhua]

Pakistan will sign a memorandum over its obligations to become a member state in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China President Xi Jinping revealed on Thursday.

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain expressed gratitude towards China for supporting his country's application.

Hussain made the remarks while meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent during the sidelines of the SCO summit.

"The friendship with China is the anchor of our foreign policy," he said.

Xi said Pakistan's application was "a key step" for Pakistan to become a formal member state of the organization in the future.

China and Pakistan have coordinated and cooperated well in international and regional affairs, Xi said, adding that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Pakistan diplomatic relationship.

China will push forward the construction of the China-Pakistan economic corridor, deepen cooperation in economy and trade, people-to-people and security areas, and set up a leading example for the establishment of common destiny between China and neighboring countries, Xi said.

Hussain also said Pakistan supported China's stance on issues including Taiwan, the South China Sea and Xinjiang.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn