Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Sochi, Russia, November 30, 2017. APP/APP81-30

SOCHI: China would like to initiate key infrastructure projects in Pakistan and discuss a free trade zone as well, Premier Li Keqiang told Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit in Sochi, Russia.

Li said both countries have maintained commendable cooperation in various fields and made progress in building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) over the past four years, according to China Daily's report on Friday.

China is willing to promote cooperation in production capacity and talk out an agreement for a free trade zone, which can promote balanced trade and strengthen enterprise ties for both nations, he said.

Abbasi's counterpart extended gratitude to him on the security provided to Chinese companies and citizens in the South Asian neighbour.

Li hoped that security can be further enhanced to cultivate an inviting environment.

China would like to boost exchanges and coordination through multilateral mechanisms ? such as the SCO ? and regional affairs, he said.

Abbasi said Pakistan is ready to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in various fields with China.

Abbasi assured his counterpart that Pakistan will take measures to safeguard cooperative projects.

As the rotating SCO chair, China will further promote the organization?s development.