• China says presence of Pakistani management, athletes proves “iron-clad friendship” has taken root in people’s hearts.
• Beijing says visit “reflects Pakistan’s determination to uphold Olympic spirit”.
• China’s comments come days after PM Imran Khan and his high-level delegation returned to Pakistan after concluding four-day visit.

Amid a boycott by some countries, China on Wednesday “highly” appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan for attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games.

Chinese language International Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, whereas talking throughout a regular press conference, noted that the presence of the Pakistani leadership and athletes proved that the “iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan has taken root in people’s hearts” and these congenial relations “get pleasure from folks’s help in each international locations”.

“We also highly appreciate Prime Minister Imran Khan’s attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, Pakistani athletes’ participation in the Games, and great support of Pakistani people from all walks of life,” stated Zhao.

Learn extra: PM Imran Khan touches down in Islamabad after concluding ‘profitable’ China go to

The spokesperson stated that the go to and participation “not only carries on the fine tradition of mutual support” between Islamabad and Beijing but in addition “reflects Pakistan’s determination to uphold the Olympic spirit and live up to the Olympic ideal”.

“The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games has presented China and Chinese culture to the world, fulfilled China’s commitment of hosting a ‘streamlined, safe and splendid’ Olympic Games, and demonstrated the vision that all countries form a community sharing the same future,” stated the spokesperson.

The Chinese language overseas ministry’s feedback come days after Prime Minister Imran Khan and his high-level delegation returned to Pakistan after concluding their four-day go to.

The prime minister’s four-day go to included conferences with prime Chinese language management, the enterprise neighborhood, the signing of a number of memoranda of understandings (MoUs), and attending the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics — as an indication of solidarity with Beijing.

Learn extra: Pakistan desires peaceable answer to long-standing Kashmir dispute, says PM Imran Khan

Earlier than leaving for Pakistan, PM Imran Khan met President Xi Jinping on the Nice Corridor of Individuals in Beijing — the primary assembly of the 2 leaders because the prime minister’s go to to China in October 2019.

The 2 leaders reviewed your complete gamut of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation, whereas additionally exchanging views on regional and international problems with mutual curiosity, a PM Workplace assertion stated.