During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Islamabad on Thursday, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari described the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) as "an important element in achieving a shared vision to enhance regional connectivity." In a statement, the Pakistani presidency quoted Zardari as saying that the economic corridor "is of great strategic importance to both Pakistan and China."It is an important element in achieving our shared vision of enhancing regional connectivity, economic integration, and building a peaceful neighborhood. He continued, "Pakistan and China are strong sisters, deep-rooted friends, and strategic partners under all circumstances." He emphasized that "friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy, which enjoys comprehensive popular, political, and institutional support in Pakistan."Zardari thanked China for its "continued support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development, and its principled and just position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute." He also expressed his condolences for the victims of the recent floods in Beijing and China's Gansu Province. He recalled his visit to China earlier this year, during which he held successful meetings with President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese leaders.For his part, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the friendship between China and Pakistan has been solid for generations and is based on goodwill, trustworthiness, and a strong all-weather strategic partnership. He added, "President Xi Jinping's vision is that Pakistan and China have a shared future and that efforts should be made to bring the two peoples closer together," adding that China appreciates Pakistan's support for China at crucial times.The statement also said that the two sides also discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation and regional security. The Chinese minister also met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who affirmed "Pakistan's desire to deepen bilateral cooperation with China."A statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office said that Sharif expressed his deep appreciation to China for its unwavering support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for China on its core issues and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to deepening its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China.He expressed Pakistan's desire to deepen cooperation with China in trade, investment, information and communications technology, agriculture, manufacturing, mining and minerals, and other key sectors. He also emphasized the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and its vital role in enhancing regional connectivity, expressing satisfaction with the steady progress of the corridor's second phase.He expressed China's desire to advance bilateral relations with Pakistan to new heights of cooperation and coordination. He commended Pakistan's firm commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that China will continue to work together with Pakistan to promote regional peace, development, and stability.Earlier today, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, co-chaired the sixth round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.