ISLAMABAD — Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday hailed long-standing ties between Pakistan and China, saying Islamabad had stood by Beijing when it was isolated on the world stage.

Addressing Parliament while on a state visit to Pakistan, Mr Xi also applauded the country’s anti-terrorism efforts, vowing that China would continue to stand by its neighbour.

“Pakistan has overcome all kinds of difficulties and contributed greatly to the security and stability of China’s western border areas and this is something we shall never forget,” he told Parliament. “Pakistan and China’s struggles have brought their hearts and minds together,” he added.

Mr Xi pointed out that Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognised China as a state and was the first Islamic country to develop diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Lawmakers gave Mr Xi a standing ovation after his address, aired live on Pakistani TV. Legislators, military leaders and foreign ambassadors attended the speech.

In his address after Mr Xi, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pledged to strengthen ties. “We will fight together to eliminate the menace of terrorism,” he said.

Mr Xi arrived on Monday in Islamabad, where he and Mr Sharif oversaw the signing of 51 deals. Mr Xi brought with him investment projects worth US$45 billion (S$60.8 billion) in energy and infrastructure construction, said Pakistani Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

Mr Sharif said Pakistan considers Chinese security as important as its own. “Our joint efforts against terrorism have succeeded, but we have to intensify efforts to achieve our goals,” he told Parliament.

Ties between Pakistan and China are underpinned by a common wariness of India and a desire to hedge against the United States’ influence in South Asia.

China is a leading arms supplier to Pakistan and has sought its help in combating anti-Chinese Islamic separatists reportedly hiding in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Beijing also wants to enlist Islamabad’s help in stabilising Afghanistan as the Washington winds down its presence there.

Yesterday, Mr Xi also received Pakistan’s top civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan. AGENCIES