Nothing on earth could dent Sino-Pak long-standing friendship: Naqvi

• Says new force being formed for protection of foreigners, especially Chinese nationals
• Chinese ambassador expresses satisfaction with security measures for protection of Chinese citizens

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday that the government was going to form a new Force for the protection of foreigners living in Islamabad, saying safety and security of the Chinese nationals, especially those working on CPEC and other projects was a foremost priority of the government.

Talking to China’s ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong during his visit to the Chinese embassy, Naqvi praised the Chinese leadership for always standing by Pakistan during testing times, saying that no country on earth could weaken the long-standing relations between the two countries.

A detailed discussion was also held on the promotion of Pakistan-China relations and measures taken for the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

“The recent visit of the prime minister has strengthened the friendship with China”, said Mr Naqvi, adding that the Chinese President, the prime minister and senior leadership of China had always supported Pakistan.

He informed the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong about the measures to protect Chinese citizens across the country including Islamabad.

The interior minister also briefed him on the security plan of Chinese engineers and staff working on CPEC and other projects.

He said that comprehensive and effective SOPs have been made for the security of Chinese citizens and a separate force “SPU” is being created in Islamabad for foreign nationals. The protection of the Chinese brothers who are working for the construction and development of Pakistan is the first priority of the government of Pakistan, said Mohsin Naqvi.

He said that no one can create a rift in the eternal friendship between Pakistan and China and such a conspiracy will never be allowed to succeed. He said that Pakistan and China are friends and iron brothers.

On the occasion, the Chinese ambassador said that China attaches great importance to relations with Pakistan, saying the two countries were all-weather friends.

The Chinese ambassador expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements made for the protection of Chinese citizens.

Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha and senior officials of the Chinese Embassy were also present in the meeting.