BEIJING, April 29 (China Economic Net) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the conclusion of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing on Sunday. The two Prime Ministers were accompanied by Ministers and senior officials.

Both leaders reaffirmed the time-tested and strong friendship between Pakistan and China and exchanged views on the myriad facets of bilateral engagement.

Pakistani Prime Minister extended felicitations to the Chinese leadership on the successful holding of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF). Noting the depth and breadth of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Imran Khan said it was of immense significance for the world in terms of connectivity and shared prosperity.

The two sides exchanged views on bilateral collaboration in the context of CPEC and prospects of further deepening economic linkages. Imran Khan underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan's economy and noted with satisfaction its expansion into new areas of development – including industrial development; livelihood projects; social uplift; and agriculture in line with the priorities of government, and hoped that Chinese investment in Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) would expand Pakistan's industrial base and assist in diversifying its export basket.

Underlining the steady growth of bilateral cooperation since the Imran Khan's last visit to China in November 2018, Premier Li Keqiang expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum of CPEC projects, and hoped that the conclusion of the Second Phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), would give further boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries. The two sides agreed to further deepen the political, security, economic, education, science & technology, cultural, and people-to-people relations.

It was agreed to maintain the existing momentum of high level exchanges between the two countries.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues including peace efforts in Afghanistan and peace and stability in South Asia. They also agreed to closely coordinate in their endeavours.

The two Prime Ministers also witnessed the signing ceremony at which the Second Phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement was signed. The list of MoUs/Agreements signed/exchanged on the occasion is as follows:

i.        Second Phase of China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement

ii.        Declaration for Completion of Preliminary Design of Phase-I for Up-gradation of ML-1 and Establishment of Havelian Dry Port under CPEC

iii.     MoU on Cooperation in the field of Marine Sciences between the China Geological Survey (CGS), Ministry of Natural Resources of China, the Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Science and Technology

iv.    MoU between CIDCA and Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform on Implementation of the Projects under JWG of CPEC on Socio-Economic Development

v.        China-Pakistan Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement

vi.        Rashakai SEZ Joint Venture and License Agreement between KPEZMDC and CRBC