习近平盛赞中巴友谊

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the "profound friendship" between China and Pakistan on Tuesday, during his first state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

Addressing the Pakistani parliament, President Xi praised Islamabad's anti-terror efforts, saying Pakistan and China "share a common stake in security."

"Over the years 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 that we shall never forget," Mr. Xi said.

In his own address to lawmakers, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Islamabad and Beijing "will fight together to eliminate the menace of terrorism."

China has long been concerned that Muslim militants in its western Xinjiang region may be getting training and support from fighters in Pakistan's lawless tribal areas.

President Xi arrived Monday in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, for a two-day trip.

In addition to security talks, the visit saw the two sides launch over $45 billion in energy and infrastructure projects.