China has appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on resolution of all bilateral disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through dialogue and showed willingness to play a constructive role in improving ties between the two uneasy neighbours, a private TV channel reported.
“We have noticed relevant reports and welcomed the positive attitude of the Pakistani and Indian leaders in improving bilateral relations,” China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. He said that Pakistan and India are important countries in South Asia, adding that improvement and development of bilateral relations is crucial to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. “As a common neighbour of Pakistan and India, China firmly supports both the countries to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust, resolve differences and work together for regional peace and development … while China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard,” the spokesperson said.
“To move forward, Pakistan and India must have a dialogue and resolve their conflicts including Kashmir,” Imran Khan had posted on Twitter on Tuesday. “The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading,” he had suggested.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had sent a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, expressing hope for a meaningful and constructive engagement with Pakistan. Answering a question as to what kind of constructive role China can play between the two countries, Lu Kang said, “It is in the interest of both Pakistan and India to continuously improve relations and work together for peace and stability in the region. I have already said that we are very happy to see that the leaders of both Pakistan and India recently made positive statements aimed at improving mutual relations. As long as there is any possibility, China is, of course, willing to play a positive and constructive role.” Responding to a question that whether China will play a mediator’s role between the two countries, the spokesman commented, “I can’t give you a prejudgment now that where and when China will do something. It is clear that a constructive role is any role that is conducive to advancing, consolidating and continuing the positive momentum.”
Published in Daily Times, August 25th 2018.
