Wang: China wants Pakistan and India to settle differences through dialogue

China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India in properly handling differences through dialogue, achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seeking a fundamental solution, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

He made the remarks when meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing.

Such move is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, conducive to regional peace and stability, and also the common expectation of the international community, Wang said.

Dar, who arrived in Beijing on Monday on a three-day tour, is the first high-level Pakistani official to visit China following the armed conflict between China's two neighboring countries.

Dar during talks introduced the latest situation since the ceasefire understanding was reached between Pakistan and India on May 10 and his country's considerations.

He expressed gratitude to China for upholding justice and making unremitting efforts and significant contributions to promoting the ceasefire and peace.

Pakistan will resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and is willing to maintain dialogue with India to ease the situation, he added.

Wang said as an ironclad friend, China always firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, and in resolutely combating terrorism.

He called on the two countries to make concerted efforts to create an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and promote cooperation in such fields as industry, agriculture, and counter-terrorism and security.

Dar told Wang that Pakistan looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation with China.

He expressed the country's hope to continue to receiving strong support from China in overcoming current difficulties to promote its development, security and stability.

He pledged that Pakistan will make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions on its soil.

The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening regional cooperation and deepening coordination in multilateral mechanisms.