ISLAMABAD: China’s Vice Minister of Department of Justice Liu Zhenyu on Wednesday stated that Pakistan and China shared common ideas on numerous issues of national interest. He further said that the cooperation between the two countries had yielded positive results in the fields of science, commerce, and diplomacy. This he said during a meeting of Chinese delegation, headed by Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Sun Weidong, with Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf held at his office in Supreme Court Building. The other members of delegation were Inspector Department of Judicial Assistance and Foreign Affairs Hu Yiding, Inspector Bureau of Judicial Expertise Wo Lingsheng, Director General Justice Department of Heilongjiang Province Ren Zengang and others. “The time is now ripe to extend the cooperation to the field of law,” vice minister said adding that diplomatic visits between the two countries were frequent, thereby strengthening their ties. The delegation took the opportunity to apprise the Office of the AGP about the role and responsibilities of the Chinese Department of Justice, highlighting its role in inter alia, judicial education and the maintenance of the rule of law. The AGP while welcoming the delegation expressed his desire to support the delegation generally and particularly with regards to law and justice. Highlighting greater cooperation between Pakistan and Republic of China, AGP Ausaf said that both countries continued to take steps on the road of friendship and cooperation. The country’s top law officer also expressed his desire to ensure that the legal regimes in the two states were prepared for the anticipated growth in economic activity between Pakistan and China adding that both states should attempt to homogenize laws, acting as a model for mutual assistance and cooperation. AGP apprised the delegation about the role and functions of his office stating that he was the principal law officer of the Federation of Pakistan and in his capacity as such, often offered his counsel to the Courts on matters concerning inter alia, inter-provincial and constitutional matters. Appreciating the delegation, the Attorney General remarked that the delegation succinctly propounded their position and ideas with brevity, encapsulating the Chinese method of carrying work out. The Chinese delegation also appreciated the efforts of the AGP and agreed to collaborate to fully reap the benefits of greater economic engagement between the two countries. The delegation welcomed the AGP’s suggestion to work towards exchange programmes between law students and members of the bar. Reflecting on their cooperation in the past, particularly after Pakistan’s induction in the Shanghai Cooperation organization (SCO), the delegation further agreed on appointing focal persons in both Pakistan and China to facilitate and foster greater coordination between the two sides. Moreover, the two sides resolved to extend their cooperation to include mutual agreements not only on the Federal, but also the provincial level. The two sides also agreed to expedite the ratification of mutual agreements and treaties that had been agreed upon but were awaiting their ratification. Published in Daily Times, July 6th , 2017.